A textbook of belief dynamics. Theory change and database updating (Q1977408)

This long-awaited book is the new standard work on the Alchourrón-Gärdenfors-Makinson theory of belief change and supplants \textit{P. Gärdenfors}' Knowledge in flux (MIT Press, 1988). The book under review is both a textbook written with great expository care and an indispensable reference volume for researchers in the field of belief dynamics. Hansson's work presents a detailed and comprehensive documentation of the field up to 1996. The book is divided into six chapters of quite different lengths, namely 1. Having beliefs, 2. Giving up beliefs, 3. Taking on beliefs, 4. Hidden structures of beliefs, 5. Believing and hypothesizing, and 6. Afterthought. Each chapter is accompanied by a `plus chapter' dealing with more formal aspects of belief change. The `plus chapters' come with 210 exercises, the solutions of which are assembled in a 65 pages appendix. Various courses for a classroom use of the book are suggested.