MCS01

UNIT 1
THE FIRST-ORDER PREDICATE

LOGIC (FOPL)
Structure
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
Introduction
Objectives
Syntax of Predicate Logic
Prenex Normal Form (PNF)
(Skolem) Standard Form
Applications of FOPL
Summary
Solutions/Answers
Further/Readings
Page Nos.
5
7
7
12
15
17
18
19
24
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the previous unit, we discussed how propositional logic helps us in solving
problems. However, one of the major problems with propositional logic is that,
sometimes, it is unable to capture even elementary type of reasoning or argument as
represented by the following statements:
Every man is mortal.
Raman is a man.
Hence, he is mortal.
The above reasoning is intuitively correct. However, if we attempt to simulate the
reasoning through Propositional Logic and further, for this purpose, we use symbols
P, Q and R to denote the statements given above as:
P: Every man is mortal,
Q: Raman is a man,
R: Raman is mortal.
Once, the statements in the argument in English are symbolised to apply tools of
propositional logic, we just have three symbols P, Q and R available with us and
apparently no link or connection to the original statements or to each other. The
connections, which would have helped in solving the problem become invisible. In
Propositional Logic, there is no way, to conclude the symbol R from the symbols P
and Q. However, as we mentioned earlier, even in a natural language, the conclusion
of the statement denoted by R from the statements denoted by P and Q is obvious.
Therefore, we search for some symbolic system of reasoning that helps us in
discussing argument forms of the above-mentioned type, in addition to those forms
which can be discussed within the framework of propositional logic. First Order
Predicate Logic (FOPL) is the most well-known symbolic system for the pourpose.
The symbolic system of FOPL treats an atomic statement not as an indivisible unit.
Rather, FOPL not only treats an atomic statement divisible into subject and predicate
but even further deeper structures of an atomic statement are considered in order to
handle larger class of arguments. How and to what extent FOPL symbolizes and
establishes validity/invalidity and consistency/inconsistency of arguments is the
subject matter of this unit.
5
Knowledge Representation
In addition to the baggage of concepts of propositional logic, FOPL has the

following additional concepts: terms, predicates and quantifiers. These concepts
will be introduced at appropriate places.
In order to have a glimpse at how FOPL extends propositional logic, let us again
discuss the earlier argument.
Every man is mortal. Raman is a man.
Hence, he is mortal.
In order to derive the validity of above simple argument, in stead of looking at an
atomic statement as indivisible, to begin with, we divide each statement into subject
and predicate. The two predicates which occur in the above argument are:
is mortal and is man.
Let us use the notation
IL: is_mortal and
IN: is_man.
In view of the notation, the argument on para-phrasing becomes:
For all x, if IN (x) then IL (x).
IN (Raman).
Hence, IL (RAMAN)
More generally, relations of the form greater-than (x, y) denoting the phrase x is
greater than y, is_brother_ of (x, y) denoting x is brother of y, Between (x, y, z)
denoting the phrase that x lies between y and z, and is_tall (x) denoting x is tall are
some examples of predicates. The variables x, y, z etc which appear in a predicate
are called parameters of the predicate.
The parameters may be given some appropriate values such that after substitution of
appropriate value from all possible values of each of the variables, the predicates
become statements, for each of which we can say whether it is True or it is False.
For example, for the predicate greater-than (x, y), if x is given value 3 then we obtain
greater-than (3, y), for which still it is not possible to tell whether it is True or False.
Hence, greater-than (3, y) is also a predicate. Further, if the variable y is given value
5 then we get greater (3, 5) which , as we known, is False. Hence, it is possible to
give its Truth-value, which is False in this case. Thus, from the predicate greater-than
(x, y), we get the statement greater-than (3, 5) by assigning values 3 to the variable x
and 5 to the variable y. These values 3 and 5 are called parametric values or
arguments of the predicate greater-than.
(Please note argument of a function/predicate is a mathematical concept, different
from logical argument)
Similarly, we can represent the phrase x likes y by the predicate LIKE (x, y). Then
Ram likes Mohan can be represented by the statement LIKE (RAM, MOHAN).
Also function symbols can be used in the first-order logic. For example, we can use
product (x, y) to denote x y and father (x) to mean the father of x. The statement:
Mohans father loves Mohan can be symbolised as LOVE (father (Mohan), Mohan).
Thus, we need not know name of father of Mohan and still we can talk about him. A
function serves such a role.
We may note that LIKE (Ram, Mohan) and LOVE (father (Mohan),Mohan) are atoms
or atomic statements of PL, in the sense that, one can associate a truth-value True or
False with each of these, and each of these does not involve a logical operator like ~,
, , or .
The First Order

Predicate Logic
Summarizing in the above discussion, LIKE (Ram, Mohan) and LOVE (father
(Mohan) Mohan) are atoms; where as GREATER, LOVE and LIKE are predicate
symbols; x and y are variables and 3, Ram and Mohan are constants; and father and
product are function symbols.
1.1 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
explain why FOPL is required over and above PL;
define, and give appropriate examples for, each of the new concepts required for
FOPL including those of quantifier, variable, constant, term, free and bound
occurrences of variables, closed and open wff;
check consistency/validity, if any, of closed formulas;
reduce a given formula of FOPL to normal forms: Prenex Normal Form (PNF) and
(Skolem) Standard Form, and
use the tools and techniques of FOPL, developed in the unit, to solve problems
requiring logical reasoning.
1.2 SYNTAX OF FOPL

In the introduction of the unit, we had a birds eye view of:
(i) How analysis of an atomic statement of PL can and should be carried out.
(ii) What are the new concepts and terms that are required to discuss the subject
matter of FOPL.
(iii) How (i) and (ii) above will prove useful in solving problems using FOPL over and
above the set of problems solvable using only PL.
Also, in the introduction to the previous unit, we mentioned that a symbolic logic is a
formal language and hence, all the rules for building constructs of the language must
be specified clearly and unambiguously.
Next, we discuss how various constructs are built up from the alphabet.
For this purpose, from the discussion in the Introduction, we need at least the
following concepts.
i)
Individual symbols or constant symbols: These are usually names of objects,

such as Ram, Mohan, numbers like 3, 5 etc.
ii)
Variable symbols: These are usually lowercase unsubscripted or subscripted

letters, like x, y, z, x3.
iii) Function symbols: These are usually lowercase letters like f, g, h,.or strings
of lowercase letters such as father and product.
iv)
Predicate symbols: These are usually uppercase letters like P, Q, R,.or

strings of lowercase letters such as greater-than, is_tall etc.
A function symbol or predicate symbol takes a fixed number of arguments. If a

function symbol f takes n arguments, f is called an n-place function symbol. Similarly,
if a predicate symbol Q takes m arguments, P is called an m-place predicate symbol.
For example, father is a one-place function symbol, and GREATER and LIKE are
two-place predicate symbols. However, father-of in father_of (x, y) is a, two place

predicate symbol.
The symbolic representation of an argument of a function or a predicate is called a
term where a term is defined recursively as follows:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
A variable is a term.
A constant is a term.
If f is an n-place function symbol, and t1.tn are terms, then f(t1,.,tn) is a term.
Any term can be generated only by the application of the rules given above.
For example: Since, y and 3 are both terms and plus is a two-place function symbol,
plus (y, 3) is a term according to the above definition.
Furthermore, we can see that plus (plus (y, 3), y) and father (father (Mohan)) are also
terms; the former denotes (y + 3) + y and the later denotes grandfather of Mohan.
A predicate can be thought of as a function that maps a list of constant arguments to T
or F. For example, GREATER is a predicate with GREATER (5, 2) as T, but
GREATER (1, 3) as F.
We already know that in PL, an atom or atomic statement is an indivisible unit for
representing and validating arguments. Atoms in PL are denoted generally by symbols
like P, Q, and R etc. But in FOPL,
Definition: An Atom is
(i) either an atom of Propositional Logic, or
(ii) is obtained from an n-place predicate symbol P, and terms t1,.tn so that
P (t1,.,tn) is an atom.
Once, the atoms are defined, by using the logical connectives defined in Propositional
Logic, and assuming having similar meaning in FOPL, we can build complex
formulas of FOPL. Two special symbol and are used to denote qualifications in
FOPL. The symbols and are called, respectively, the universal quantifier and
existential quantifier. For a variable x, (x) is read as for all x, and (x) is read as
there exists an x. Next, we consider some examples to illustrate the concepts discussed
above.
In order to symbolize the following statements:
i) There exists a number that is rational.
ii) Every rational number is a real number
iii) For every number x, there exists a number y, which is greater than x.
let us denote x is a rational number by Q(x), x is a real number by R(x), and x is less
than y by LESS(x, y). Then the above statements may be symbolized respectively, as
(i) (x) Q(x)
(ii) (x) (Q(x) R (x))
(iii) (x) (y) LESS(x, y).
Each of the expressions (i), (ii), and (iii) is called a formula or a well-formed formula
or wff.
Next, we discuss three new concepts, viz Scope of occurrence of a quantified variable,
Bound occurrence of a quantifier variable or quantifier and Free occurrence of a
variable.
The First Order

Predicate Logic
Before discussion of these concepts, we should know the difference between a

variable and occurrence of a variable in a quantifier expression.
The variable x has THREE occurrences in the formula
(x) Q(x) P(x, y).
Also, the variable y has only one occurrence and the variable z has zero occurrence in
the above formula. Next, we define the three concepts mentioned above.
Scope of an occurrence of a quantifiers is the smallest but complete formula
following the quantifier sometimes delimited by pair f parentheses. For example, Q(x)
is the scope of (x) in the formula
(x) Q(x) P(x, y).
But the scope of (x) in the formula: (x) (Q(x) P(x, y)) is (Q(x) P(x, y)).
Further in the formula:
(x) (P(x) Q(x, y)) (x) (P(x) R(x, 3)),
the scope of first occurrence of (x) is the formula (P(x) Q (x, y) and the scope of
second occurrence of (x) is the formula
(P(x) R(x, 3)).
As another example, the scope of the only occurrence of the quantifier (y) in
(x) (( P(x) Q(x) (y) (Q (x) R (y))) is ( Q (x) R(y)). But the scope of the
only occurrence of the existential variable (x) in the same formula is the formula:
(P(x) Q(x)) P (y) (Q (x) R(y))
An occurrence of a variable in a formula is bound if and only if the occurrence is
within the scope of a quantifier employing the variable, or is the occurrence in that
quantifier. An occurrence of a variable in a formula is free if and only if this
occurrence of the variable is not bound.
Thus, in the formula (x) P(x, y) Q (x), there are three occurrences of x, out of
which first two occurrences of x are bound, where, the last occurrence of x is free,
because scope of (x) in the above formula is P(x, y). The only occurrence of y in the
formula is free. Thus, x is both a bound and a free variable in the above formula and y
is only a free variable in the formula so far, we talked of an occurrence of a variable
as free or bound. Now, we talk of (only) a variable as free or bound. A variable is free
in a formula if at least one occurrence of it is free in the formula. A variable is bound
in a formula if at least one occurrence of it is bound.
It may be noted that a variable can be both free and bound in a formula. In order to
further elucidate the concepts of scope, free and bound occurrences of a variable, we
consider a similar but different formula for the purpose:
(x) (P(x, y) Q(x)).
In this formula, scope of the only occurrence of the quantifier (x) is the whole of the
rest of the formula, viz. scope of (x) in the given formula is (P(x, y) Q (x))
Also, all three occurrence of variable x are bound. The only occurrence of y is free.
Remarks: It may be noted that a bound variable x is just a place holder or a dummy
variable in the sense that all occurrences of a bound variable x may be replaced by
another free variable say y, which does not occur in the formula. However, once, x is
replaced by y then y becomes bound. For example, (x) (f (x)) is the same as (y) f
(y). It is something like
x 2 dx = y 2 dy =
1
23 13 7
=
3 3 3
Replacing a bound variable x by another variable y under the restrictions mentioned

above is called Renaming of a variable x
Having defined an atomic formula of FOPL, next, we consider the definition of a
general formula formally in terms of atoms, logical connectives, and quantifiers.
Definition A well-formed formula, wff a just or formula in FOPL is defined
recursively as follows:
i) An atom or atomic formula is a wff.
ii) If E and G are wff, then each of ~ (E), (E G), (E G), (E G), (E G) is a
wff.
iii) If E is a wff and x is a free variable in E, then (x)E is a wff.
iv) A wff can be obtained only by applications of (i), (ii), and (iii) given above.
We may drop pairs of parentheses by agreeing that quantifiers have the least
scope. For example, (x) P(x, y) Q(x) stands for
((x) P(x, y)) Q(x)
We may note the following two cases of translation:
(i) for all x, P(x) is Q(x) is translated as
(x) (P(x) Q(x) )
(the other possibility (x) P(x) Q(x) is not valid.)
(ii) for some x, P(x) is Q (x) is translated as (x) P(x) Q(x)
(the other possibility (x) P(x) Q(x) is not valid)
Example
Translate the statement: Every man is mortal. Raman is a man. Therefore, Raman is
mortal.
As discussed earlier, let us denote x is a man by MAN (x), and x is mortal by
MORTAL(x). Then every man is mortal can be represented by
(x) (MAN(x) MORTAL(x)),
Raman is a man by
MORTAL(Raman).
The whole argument can now be represented by
(x) (MAN(x) MORTAL(x)) MAN (Roman) MORTAL (Roman).
as a single statement.
In order to further explain symbolisation let us recall the axioms of natural numbers:
(1)
(2)
(3)
For every number, there is one and only one immediate successor,
There is no number for which 0 is the immediate successor.
For every number other than 0, there is one and only one immediate
predecessor.
Let the immediate successor and predecessor of x, respectively be denoted by f(x) and
g(x).
10
Let E (x, y) denote x is equal to y. Then the axioms of natural numbers are represented
respectively by the formulas:
The First Order

Predicate Logic
(i) (x) (y) (E(y, f(x)) (z) (E(z, f(x)) E(y, z)))
(ii) ~ ((x) E(0, f(x))) and
(iii) (x) (~ E(x, 0) ((y), g(x)) (z) (E(z, g(x)) E(y, z))))).
From the semantics (for meaning or interpretation) point of view, the wff of FOPL
may be divided into two categories, each consisting of
(i) wffs, in each of which, all occurrences of variables are bound.
(ii) wffs, in each of which, at least one occurrence of a variable is free.
The wffs of FOPL in which there is no occurrence of a free variable, are like wffs of
PL in the sense that we can call each of the wffs as True, False, consistent,
inconsistent, valid, invalid etc. Each such a formula is called closed formula.
However, when a wff involves a free occurrence, then it is not possible to call such a
wff as True, False etc. Each of such a formula is
called an open formula.
For example: Each of the formulas: greater (x, y), greater (x, 3), (y) greater (x, y)
has one free occurrence of variable x. Hence, each is an open formula.
Each of the formulas: (x) (y) greater (x, y), (y) greater (y, 1), greater (9, 2), does
not have free occurrence of any variable. Therefore each of these formulas is a closed
formula.
Next we discuss some equivalences, and inequalities
The following equivalences hold for any two formulas P(x) and Q(x):
(i) (x) P(x) (x) Q(x) = (x) (P(x) Q(x))
(ii) (x) P(x) ( x) Q (x) = (x) (P(x) Q(x)
But the following inequalities hold, in general:
(iii) (x) (P(x) Q(x) (x) P(x) (x) Q(x)
(iv) (x) (P(x) Q(x) (x) P(x) (x) Q (x)
We justify (iii) & (iv) below:
Let P(x): x is odd natural number,
Q(x): x is even natural number.
Then L.H.S of (iii) above states for every natural number it is either odd or even,
which is correct. But R.H.S of (iii) states that every natural number is odd or every
natural number is even, which is not correct.
Next, L.H.S. of (iv) states that: there is a natural number which is both even and odd,
which is not correct. However, R.H.S. of (iv) says there is an integer which is odd
and there is an integer which is even, correct.
Equivalences involving Negation of Quantifiers
(v) ~ (x) P(x) = (x) ~ P(x)
(iv) ~ (x) P(x) = (x) ~ P(x)
Examples: For each of the following closed formula, Prove
(i) (x) P(x) (y) ~ P(y) is inconsistent.
(ii) (x) P(x) (y) P(y) is valid
Solution: (i) Consider
(x) P(x) (y) ~ P(y)
= (x) P(x) ~ (y) P(y) (taking negation out)
11
But we know for each bound occurrence, a variable is dummy, and can be replaced in
the whole scope of the variable uniformly by another free variable. Hence,
R = (x) P(x) ~ (x) P(x)
Each conjunct of the formula is either
True of False and, hence, can be thought of as a formula of PL, in stead of formula of
FOPL, Let us replace (x) (P(x) by Q , a formula of PL.
R = Q ~ Q = False
Hence, the proof.
(ii) Consider
(x) P(x) (y) P(y)
Replacing we get
= ~ (x) P(x) (y) P(y)
= (x) ~ P(x) (y) P(y)
= (x) ~ P(x) (x) P(x) (renaming x as y in the second disjunct)
In other words,
= (x) (~ P(x) P(x)) (using equivalence)
The last formula states: there is at least one element say b, for ~ P(b) P(b) holds i.e.,
for b, either P(b) is False or P(b) is True.
But, as P is a predicate symbol and b is a constant ~ P(b) P(b) must be True. Hence,
the proof.
Ex. 1 Let P(x) and Q(x) represent x is a rational number and x is a real number,
respectively. Symbolize the following sentences:
(i) Every rational number is a real number.
(ii) Some real numbers are rational numbers.
(iii) Not every real number is a rational number.
Ex. 2 Let C(x) mean x is a used-car dealer, and H(x) mean x is honest. Translate
each of the following into English:
(i)
(x)C(x)
(ii) (x) H(x)
(iii) (x)C(x) ~ H (x))
(iv) (x) (C(x) H(x))
(v) (x) (H(x) C(x)).
Ex. 3 Prove the following:
(i)
(ii)
P(a) ~ ((x) P(x)) is consistent.

(x) P(x) ((y) ~ P(y)) is valid.
1.3 PRENEX NORMAL FORM

In order to facilitate problem solving through PL, we discussed two normal forms, viz,
the conjunctive normal form CNF and the disjunctive normal form DNF. In FOPL,
there is a normal form called the prenex normal form. The use of a prenex normal
form of a formula simplifies the proof procedures, to be discussed.
Definition A formula G in FOPL is said to be in a prenex normal form if and only if
the formula G is in the form
12
(Q1x1).(Qn xn) P
The First Order

Predicate Logic
where each (Qixi), for i = 1, .,n, is either (xi) or (xi), and P is a quantifier free
formula. The expression (Q1x1).(Qn xn) is called the prefix and P is called the
matrix of the formula G.
Examples of some formulas in prenex normal form:
(i) (x) (y) (R(x, y) Q(y)), (x) (y) (~ P(x, y) S(y)),
(ii) (x) (y) (z) (P(x, y) R (z)).
Next, we consider a method of transforming a given formula into a prenex
normal form. For this, first we discuss equivalence of formulas in FOPL. Let us
recall that two formulas E and G are equivalent, denoted by E = G, if and only if the
truth values of F and G are identical under every interpretation. The pairs of
equivalent formulas given in Table of equivalent Formulas of previous unit are still
valid as these are quantifierfree formulas of FOPL. However, there are pairs of
equivalent formulas of FOPL that contain quantifiers. Next, we discuss these
additional pairs of equivalent formulas. We introduce some notation specific to FOPL:
the symbol G denote a formula that does not contain any free variable x. Then we
have the following pairs of equivalent formulas, where Q denotes a quantifier which is
either or . Next, we introduce four laws for pairs of equivalent formulas.
In the rest of the discussion of FOPL, P[x] is used to denote the fact that x is a free
variable in the formula P, for example, P[x] = (y) P (x, y). Similarly, R [x, y]
denotes that variables x and y occur as free variables in the formula R Some of these
equivalences, we have discussed earlier.
Then, the following laws involving quantifiers hold good in FOPL
(i) ( Qx ) P [ x] G = ( Qx ) ( P [x ] G).
(ii) ( Qx ) P [x ] G = ( Qx ) ( P [x] G).
In the above two formulas, Q may be either or .
(iii) ~ (( x ) P [ x ]) = (x ) ( ~ P [ x ] ).
(iv) ~ (( x) P [ x ] ) = ( x ) ( ~ P [ x ]).
(v) (x) P [x] (x) H [x] = (x) (P [x] H [x]).
(vi) (x) P [x] (x) H [x] = (x) (P [x] H [x]).
That is, the universal quantifier and the existential quantifier can be distributed
respectively over and .
But we must be careful about (we have already mentioned these inequalities)
(vii) (x) E [x] (x) H [x] (x) (P [x] H [x]) and
(viii) (x ) P [x] (x) H [x] (x) (P [x] H [x])
Steps for Transforming an FOPL Formula into Prenex Normal Form
Step 1 Remove the connectives and using the equivalences
P G = (P G) ( G P)
P G = ~ P G
Step 2 Use the equivalence to remove even number of ~s
~ ( ~ P) = P
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Step 3 Apply De Morgans laws in order to bring the negation signs immediately
before atoms.
~ (P G) = ~ P ~ G
~ (P G) = ~ P ~ G
and the quantification laws
~ ((x) P[x]) = (x) (~P[x])
~ ((x) P [x]) = (x) (~F[x])
Step 4 rename bound variables if necessary
Step 5 Bring quantifiers to the left before any predicate symbol appears in the
formula. This is achieved by using (i) to (vi) discussed above.
We have already discussed that, if all occurrences of a bound variable are replaced
uniformly throughout by another variable not occurring in the formula, then the
equivalence is preserved. Also, we mentioned under (vii) that does not distribute
over and under (viii) that does not distribute over . In such cases, in order to
bring quantifiers to the left of the rest of the formula, we may have to first rename one
of bound variables, say x, may be renamed as z, which does not occur either as free or
bound in the other component formulas. And then we may use the following
equivalences.
(Q1 x) P[x] (Q2 x) H[x] = (Q1 x) (Q2 z) (P[x] H[z])
(Q3 x) P[x] (Q4 x) H[x] = (Q3 x) (Q4 z) (P[x] H[z])
Example: Transform the following formulas into prenex normal forms:
(i) (x) (Q(x) (x) R (x, y))
(ii) (x) (~ (y) Q(x, y) ((z) R(z) S (x)))
(iii) (x) (y) ((z) Q(z, y, z) ((u) R (x, u) (v) R (y, v))).
Part (i)
Step 1: By removing , we get
(x) (~ Q (x) (x) R (x, y))
Step 2: By renaming x as z in (x) R (x, y) the formula becomes
(x) (~ Q (x) (z) R (z, y))
Step 3: As ~ Q(x) does not involve z, we get
(x) (z) (~ Q (x) R (z, y))
Part (ii)
(x) (~ (y) Q (x, y) ((z) R (z) S (x)))
Step 1: Removing outer we get
(x) (~ (~ ((y) Q (x, y))) (( z) R (z) S (x)))
Step 2: Removing inner , and simplifying ~ (~ ( ) ) we get
(x) ((y) Q (x, y) (~ ( (z) R(z)) S (x)))
Step 3: Taking ~ inner most, we get
(x) (y) Q (x, y) ((z) ~ R(z) S(x)))
As first component formula Q (x, y) does not involve z and S(x) does not involve both
y and z and ~ R(z) does not involve y. Therefore, we may take out ( y) and (z) so
that, we get
(x) (y) (z) (Q (x, y) (~ R(z) S (x) ), which is the required formula in prenex
normal form.
14
Part (iii)
(x) (y) ((z) Q (x, y, z) (( u) R (x, u) (v) R (y v)))
Step 1: Removing , we get
(x) (y) ((z) Q (x, y, z) (~ ((u) R (x, u)) (v) R (y, v)))
The First Order

Predicate Logic
Step 2: Taking ~ inner most, we get

(x) (y) ((z) Q (x, y, z) ((u) ~ R (x, u) (v) R (y, v)))
Step 3: As variables z, u & v do not occur in the rest of the formula except the formula
which is in its scope, therefore, we can take all quantifiers outside, preserving
the order of their occurrences, Thus we get
(x) (y) (z) (u) (v) (Q (x, y, z) (~ R (x, u) R (y, v)))
Ex: 4 (i) Transform the formula (x) P(x) (x) Q(x) into prenex normal form.
(ii) Obtain a prenex normal form for the formula
(x) (y) ((z) (P(x, y) P(y, z)) (u) Q (x, y, u))
1.4 (SKOLEM) STANDARD FORM

A further refinement of Prenex Normal Form (PNF) called (Skolem) Standard Form,
is the basis of problem solving through Resolution Method. The Resolution Method
will be discussed in the next unit of the block.
The Standard Form of a formula of FOPL is obtained through the following three
steps:
(1) The given formula should be converted to Prenex Normal Form (PNF), and then
(2) Convert the Matrix of the PNF, i.e, quantifier-free part of the PNF into
conjunctive normal form
(3) Skolomization: Eliminate the existential quantifiers using skolem constants and
functions
Before illustrating the process of conversion of a formula of FOPL to Standard
Normal Form, through examples, we discuss briefly skolem functions.
Skolem Function
We in general, mentioned earlier that (x) (y) P(x,y) (y) (x) P(x,y).(1)
For example, if P(x,y) stands for the relation x>y in the set of integers, then the
L.H.S. of the inequality (i) above states: some (fixed) integer (x) is greater than all
integers (y). This statement is False.
On the other hand, R.H.S. of the inequality (1) states: for each integer y, there is an
integer x so that x>y. This statement is True.
The difference in meaning of the two sides of the inequality arises because of the fact
that on L.H.S. x in (x) is independent of y in (y) whereas on R.H.S x of dependent
on y. In other words, x on L.H.S. of the inequality can be replaced by some constant
say c whereas on the right hand side x is some function, say, f(y) of y.
Therefore, the two parts of the inequality (i) above may be written as
LH.S. of (1) = (x) (y) P (x,y) = (y) P(c,y),
15
Dropping x because there is no x appearing in (y) P(c,y)

R.H.S. of (1) = (y) (x) P(f(y),y) = (y) P(f(y), y)
The above argument, in essence, explains what is meant by each of the terms viz.
skolem constant, skolem function and skolomisation.
The constants and functions which replace existential quantifiers are respectively
called skolem constants and skolem functions. The process of replacing all
existential variables by skolem constants and variables is called skolemisation.
A form of a formula which is obtained after applying the steps for
(i) reduction to PNF and then to
(ii) CNF and then
(iii) applying skolomization is called Skolem Standard Form or just Standard
Form.
We explain through examples, the skolomisation process after PNF and CNF have
already been obtained.
Example: Skolomize the following:
(i) (x1) (x2) (y1) (y2)(x3)(y3) P(x1, x2, x3, y1, y2, y3)
(ii) (x1)(y1)(x2)(y2) (x3)P(x1, x2, x3, y1, y2 )(x1)(y3)( x2) (y4)Q(x1, x2,
y3, y4)
Solution (i) As existential quantifiers x1 and x2 precede all universal quantifiers,
therefore, x1 and x2 are to be replaced by constants, but by distinct constants, say by
c and d respectively. As existential variable x3 is preceded by universal quantifiers
y1 and y2, therefore, x3 is replaced by some function f(y1, y2) of the variables y1 and y2.
After making these substitutions and dropping universal and existential variables, we
get the skolemized form of the given formula as
(y1) (y2) (y3) (c, d, f (y1, y2), y1, y2, y3).
Solution (ii) As a first step we must bring all the quantifications in the beginning of
the formula through Prenex Normal Form reduction. Also,
(x)P(x,) (x). Q (x,.) (x) (.P(x) Q(x,.),
therefore, we rename the second occurrences of quantifiers (x1) and (x2) by
renaming these as x5 and x6. Hence, after renaming and pulling out all the
quantifications to the left, we get
(x1) (y1) (x2) (y2) (x3) (x5) (y3) (x6) (y4)
(P(x1, x2, x3, y1, y2) Q (x5, x6, y3, y4)
Then the existential variable x1 is independent of all the universal quantifiers. Hence,
x1 may be replaced by a constant say, c. Next x2 is preceded by the universal
quantifier y1 hence, x2 may be replaced by f (y1). The existential quantifier x3 is
preceded by the universal quantifiers y1 and y2. Hence x3 may be replaced by g
(y1, y2). The existential quantifier x5 is preceded by again universal quantifier y1 and
y2. In other words, x5 is also a function of y1 and y2. But, we have to use a different
function symbol say h and replace x5 by h (y1, y2). Similarly x6 may be replaced by
j (y1, y2, y3).
16
Thus, (Skolem) Standard Form becomes

(y1) (y2) (y3) (P (c, f(y1), g(y1, y2), y1, y2) Q (h (y1, y2), j (y1, y2, y3))).
Ex 5. Obtain a (skolem) standard form for each of the following formula:

(i)
(x) (y) (v) (z) (w) (u) P (x, y, z, u, v, w)
(ii)
(x) (y) (z) ((P (x, y) ~ Q (x, z)) R (x, y, z))
The First Order

Predicate Logic
1.5 APPLICATIONS OF FOPL

We have developed tools of FOPL for solving problems requiring logical reasoning.
Now, we attempt solve the problem mentioned in the introduction the unit to show
insufficiency of Propositional Logic.
Example: Every man is mortal. Raman is a man. Show that Raman is mortal. The
problem can be symbolized as:
(i) (x) (MAN(x) MORTAL (x)).
(ii) MAN (Roman).
To show
(iii) Mortal (Raman)
Solution:
By Universal Instantiation of (i) with constant Raman, we get
(iv) Man (Raman) Mortal (Raman)
Using Modus Ponens with (iii) & (iv) we get Mortal (Raman)
Ex: 6 No used-car dealer buys a used car for his family. Some people who buy used
cars for their families are absolutely dishonest. Conclude that some absolutely
dishonest people are not used-car dealers.
Ex: 7 Some patients like all doctors. No patient likes any quack. Therefore, no doctor
is a quack.
When it is convenient, we shall regard a set of literals as synonymous with a clause.
For example, P Q ~ R = {P, Q, ~ R}. A clause consisting of r literals is called
an r-literal clause. A one-literal clause is called a unit clause. When a clause
contains no literal, we call it the empty clause. Since, the empty clause is always
false. We customarily denote the empty clause by False.
The disjunctions (~ P(x, f(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x))) and Q(x, g(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x)) of
the standard form
~ P(x, f(x) R(x, f(x), g(x)) Q(x, g(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x))
are clauses. A set S of clauses is regarded as a conjunction of all clauses in S, (1)
with the condition that every variable that occurs in S is considered governed by a
universal quantifier. By this convention, a standard form can be simply represented
by a set of clauses.
For example, the standard form the above mentioned formula of (1) can be
represented by the set.
{P(x, f(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x)), Q(x, g(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x))}.
Example:
a)
Find a standard form for the following formula:

~ ((x) P(x) (y) (z) Q(y, z))
Solution: Removing the logical symbol , we get
~ (~ (x) P(x)) (y) (y) Q (y, z))
Taking ~ inside, we getr
= (x) P(x) ~ (y) (z) Q (y z)
17
Again taking ~ inside, we get

= (x) P (x) (y) (z) ~ Q (y, z)
As variables x, y and z do not occur any where else, expect within their respective
scopes, therefore, the quantifiers may be taken in the beginning of the formula
without any changes. Hence, we get
(x) (y) (z) (P (x) ~ Q (y , z))
which is the required standard form.
Notation: Once, the standard form is obtained, there are no existential
quantifications left in the formula. Also universal quantifications are dropped,
because whatever variables appear in the rest of the formula can have only
universal quantification and hence universal quantifications are implied. Next, if
the standard form (without any quantifiers appearing) which is by definition also in
CNF, is of the form:
C1 C2 .. Cn then, we may denote the standard form as a set {c1, c2,.,cn}.
For example, in the previous example, the standard normal form was
(x) (y) (z) (P (x) ~ Q (y, z)), after dropping quantifiers becomes
P (x) ~ Q (y, z).
The last expression can be written as { P(x), ~ Q (y, z)}.
Ex: 8 Obtain a standard form of the formula
(x) (y) (z) (u) (v) (w) P(x, y, z, u, v, w).
Ex: 9 Obtain a standard form of the formula
(x) (y) (z) ((~P(x, y) Q(x, z)) R(x, y, z)).
Ex: 10 Using Show that G is logical conclusion of H1 and H2, where
H1 : (x) (C(x) (W(x) R(x)))
H2 : (x) (C(x) O(x))
G : (x) (O(x) R(x))
Ex: 11 Using resolution method, solve the following logic problem.
(i) Some patients like all doctors.
(ii) No patient likes any quake.
(iii) Therefore, no doctor is a quake.
Ex: 12 Conclude that some of the officials were drug pushers where we know the
following
(i) The custom officials searched everyone who entered this country who was
not a VIP.
(ii) Some of the drug pushers entered this country and they were only searched
by drug pushers. (iii) No drug pusher was a VIP.
(iv) Some of the officials were drug pushers.
Ex: 13 From the given statement: Everyone who saves money earns interest, conclude
that if there is no interest, then nobody saves money.
1.6 SUMMARY
In this unit, initially, we discuss how inadequacy of PL to solve even simple problems,
requires some extension of PL or some other formal inferencing system so as to
compensate for the inadequacy. First Order Predicate Logic (FOPL), is such an
extension of PL that is discussed in the unit.
18
Next, syntax of proper structure of a formula of FOPL is discussed. In this respect, a

number of new concepts including those of quantifier, variable, constant, term, free
and bound occurrences of variables; closed and open wff, consistency/validity of wffs
etc. are introduced.
The First Order

Predicate Logic
Next, two normal forms viz. Prenex Normal Form (PNF) and Skolem Standard
Normal Form are introduced. Finally, tools and techniques developed in the unit, are
used to solve problems involving logical reasoning.
1.7 SOLUTIONS/ANSWERS
Ex. 1 (i) (x) (P (x) Q(x))
(ii) (x) (P(x) Q(x))
(iii) ~ (x) ( Q (x) P(x))
Ex. 2
(i) There is (at least) one (person) who is a used-car dealer.
(ii) There is (at least) one (person) who is honest.
(iii) All used-car dealers are dishonest.
(iv) (At least) one used-car dealer is honest.
(v) There is at least one thing in the universe, (for which it can be said that) if
that something is Honest then that something is a used-car dealer
Note: the above translation is not the same as: Some no gap one honest, is a used-car
dealer.
Ex 3: (i) After removal of we get the given formula
= ~ P(a) ~ (( x) P(x))
= ~ P(a) (x) (~ P(x))
Now P(a) is an atom in PL which may assume any value T or F. On taking P(a) as F
the given formula becomes T, hence, consistent.
(ii) The formula can be written
(x) P(x) ~ (x) (P(x)), by taking negation outside the second disjunct and then
renaming.
The (x) P(x) being closed is either T or F and hence can be treated as formula of PL.
Let x P(x) be denoted by Q. Then the given formula may be denoted by Q ~ Q =
True (always) Therefore, formula is valid.
Ex: 4 (i) (x) P(x) (x) Q(x) = ~ ((x) P(x)) (x) Q(x)
(by removing the
connective)
= (x) (~P(x)) (x) Q(x) (by taking ~ inside)
= (x) (~P(x) Q(x)) (By taking distributivity of x over )
Therefore, a prenex normal form of (x) P(x) (x) Q(x) is (x) (~P(x) Q(x)).
(ii) (x) (y) ((z) (P(x, y) P(y, z)) (u) Q (x, y, u)) (removing the
connective)
= (x) (y) (~ ((z) (P(x, z) P(y, z)))
(u) Q (x, y, u))
(using De Morgans Laws)
= (x) (y) ((z) (~P(x, z) ~ P(y, z))
(u) Q(x, y, u))
= (x) (y) (z) (~P(x, z)
19
~ P(y, z) Q (x, y, u)
(as z and u do not occur in the rest of

the formula except their respective
scopes)
Therefore, we obtain the last formula as a prenex normal form of the first formula.
Ex 5 (i) In the given formula (x) is not preceded by any universal quantification.
Therefore, we replace the variable x by a (skolem) constant c in the formula and drop
(x).
Next, the existential quantifier (z) is preceded by two universal quantifiers viz., v and
y. we replace the variable z in the formula, by some function, say, f (v, y) and drop
(z). Finally, existential variable (u) is preceded by three universal quantifiers, viz.,
(y), (y) and (w). Thus, we replace in the formula the variable u by, some function
g(y, v, w) and drop the quantifier (u). Finally, we obtain the standard form for the
given formula as
(y) (v) (w) P(x, y, z, u, v, w)
(ii) First of all, we reduce the matrix to CNF.
= (P (x, y) ~ Q (x, z)) R (x, y, z)
= (~ P (x, y) Q (x, z)) R (x, y, z)
= (~ P (x, y) R (x, y, z)) (Q (x, z) R (x, y, z))
Next, in the formula, there are two existential quantifiers, viz., (y) and (z). Each of
these is preceded by the only universal quantifier, viz. (x).
Thus, each variable y and z is replaced by a function of x. But the two functions of x
for y and z must be different functions. Let us assume, variable, y is replaced in the
formula by f(x) and the variable z is replaced by g(x). Thus the initially given formula,
after dropping of existential quantifiers is in the standard form:
(x) ((~ P (x, y) R (x, y, z)) (Q (x, z) R (x, y, z)))
Ex: 6 Let
(i) U(x), denote x is a used-car dealer,
(ii) B(x) denote x buys a used car for his family, and
(iii) D(x) denote x is absolutely dishonest,
The given problem can be symbolized as
(i) (x) (U(x) ~ B(x))
(ii) (x) (B(x) D (x)).
(iii) (x) (D(x) ~ U(x)) (to be shown)
By Existential Instantiation of (iii) we get that for some fixed c
(iv) B (c) D (c)
Using Universal Instantiation of (i), with c we get
(v) U (c) ~ B (c)
Using simplification of (iv) we get
(vi) B (c) (vii) D(c)
Using Modus Tollens with (v) and (vi) taking B (c) = ~ (~ (B (c)), we get
(vii) ~ U (c)
Using conjunction of (vii) & (viii), we get
(ix) D (c) ~ U (c)
Using Existential Generalization of (ix) we get
(x) (D(x) ~ U (x)),
which is required to be established.
20
The First Order

Predicate Logic
Ex: 7
Let us use the notation for the predicates of the problem as follows:
P(x) :
D(x):
Q(x):
L(x, y):
x is a patient,
x is a doctor,
x is a quack,
x likes y.
The problem can be symbolized as follows:

(i)
(x) ((P(x) (y) (D(y) L(x, y)))
(ii) (x) (P(x) (y) (Q(y) ~ L (x, y)))
(iii) (x) (D(x) ~ Q(x)). (to be shown)
Taking Existential Instantiation of (i), we get a specific c such that
(iv) P (c) (y) ( D (y) L (c, y))
By simplification of (iv), we get
(v) P(c)
(vi) (y) (D (y) L (c, y))
By Universal Instantiation of (ii) with x as c (because the fact in (ii) is true for all
values of x and for the already considered value c also. This type of association of an
already used value c may not be allowed in Existential Instantiation)
we get
(vii) P (c) (y) (Q (y) ~ L (c, y))
Using Modus Ponens with (v) and (vii) we get
(viii) (y) (Q(y) ~ L (c, y))
As (y) is the quantifier appearing in both (vi) and (viii),
we can say that for an arbitrary a, we have
(ix) D (a) L (c, a) for every a (from (vi)) and
(x) Q (a) ~ L (c, a) for every a (from (viii))
(Using the equivalent P Q = ~ Q ~ P, we get from (x):
(xi) L (c, a) ~ Q (a)
Ex: 8 In the formula, (x) is preceded by no universal quantifiers, (u) is preceded by
(y) and (z), and (w) by (y), (z) and (z) and (v). Therefore, we replace the
existential variable x by a constant a, u by a two-place function f(y, z), and w by a
three-place function g(y, z, v). Thus, we obtain the following standard form of the
formula:
(y) (z) (v) P(a, y, z, f (y, z), v, g(y, z, v)).
Ex: 9 As a first step, the matrix is transformed into the following conjunctive normal
form:
(x) (y) (z) ((~P(x, y) R(x, y, z)) R (x, y, z)) (Q(x, z) R(x, y, z))).
As the existential variables (y) and (z) are both preceded by (x), the variables y
and z are replaced, by one-place function f(x) and g(x) respectively.
In this way, we obtain the standard form of the formula as:
(x) ((~P(x, f(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x))) (Q(x, g(x)) R(x, f(x), g(x)))).
Ex: 10 As we are going to use resolution method, we consider ~ G: ~ (x) (O (x)
R (x) as an axiom.
21
We use the resolution method to show these clauses as unsatisfiable.

As H1 unsolves only quantifier at extreme left, its standard form is:
H1 ~ (x) (W (x) R (x)) = (~ ( (x) W (x)) ( ~ C (x) R (x))
H2 : C (a) O (a) (a for x)
For standard form of ~ G
~ G = ~ (x) (O (x) R (x)) = (x) (~ O (x) ~ R (x))
Standard form of ~ G = ~ O (x) ~ R (x)
Thus, the clauses of the wffs of the problem are:
~C(x) W(x)
~ C(x) R(x)
from H1
C(a)
O(a)
from H2
~ O(x) ~ R(x)
from ~ G.
Resolving (ii) and (iii), we get
(vi)
R(a)
Resolving (iv) and (v), we get
(vii) ~ R(a)
Resolvent (v) and (iv)
Resolving (vi) and (vii) we get
(viii) False
Hence, G is a logical consequence of F1 and F2.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Ex : 11 Let us use the symbols:

P(x): x is a patient
D(x): x is a doctor
Q(x): x is a quake
L (x, y): x likes y.
Therefore, the given statements in the problem are symbolized as:
(i) (x) (P(x) (y) (D(y) L(x, y)))
(ii) (x) (P(x) (y) (Q(y) ~L(x, y)))
(iii) (x) (D(x) ~ Q(x)).
The clauses which are obtained after reducing to standard form are:
(iv) P(a)
(v) ~ D(y) L(a, y)
(vi) ~ P(x) ~ Q(y) ~ L(x, y)
(vii) D(b)
(viii) Q(b) from ~ G
from (i) to standard

from (i) form are:
from (ii)
from ~ (iii)
from ~ (iii)
Resolving (v) and (vii), we get

(ix) L(a, b)
Resolving (iv) and (vi) we get
(x) ~ Q(y) ~ L(a, y)
Resolving (viii) and (x), we get
(xi) ~L (a, b)
Resolving (ix) and (xi), we get
(xii) False
Ex: 12 E(x): x entered this country
V(x): x was VIP,
S(x, y): y searched x,
C(x): x was a custom official, and
P(x): x was a drug pusher.
22
When symbolized, the known facts become:
The First Order

Predicate Logic
(i) (x) (E(x) ~ V(x) (y) (S(x, y) C(y)))

(ii) (x) (P(x) E(x) (y) (S(x, y) P(y)))
(iii) (x) (P(x) ~ V(x))
and on symbolization, the conclusion becomes
(iv) (x) (P(x) C(x)).
As resolution method is to be used, we assume ~ (iv)
After converting to standard form, we get the clauses:
(v) ~ E(x) V(x) S(x, (f(x)) (from (i))
(vi) ~ E(x) V(x) C(f(x))
(from (i))
(vii) P(a)
(from (ii))
(viii) E(a)
(from (ii))
(ix) ~ S(a, y) P(y)
(from (ii))
(x) ~P(x) ~ V(x)
(from (iii))
(xi) ~ P(x) ~ C(x)
(from (iv))
Resolving (vii) and (x) we get
(xii) ~ V(a)
Resolving (vi) and (viii), we get
(xiii) V(a) C(f(a))
Resolving (xii) and (xiii), we get
(xiv) Cf(a))
Resolving (v) and (viii), we get
(xv) V(a) S(a, f(a))
Resolving (xii) and (xv) we get
(xvi) S(a, f(a))
Resolving (xvi) and (ix)
(xvii) P(f(a))
Resolving (xvii) and (xi), we get
(xviii) ~ C(f(a))
Resolving (xiv) and (xviii)
(xix) False
Hence, the proof by resolution method.
Ex: 13 Let us use the symbols:
S (x, y): x saves y,
M (x): x is money,
I (x): x is interest,
E (x, y): x Earns y.
Then the given statement on symbolization becomes:
(i) (x) ((y) (S(x, y) M(y)) (y) (I(y) E(x, y)))
the conclusion on
(ii) ~ (x) I (x) (x) (y) (S(x, y) ~M(y))
(iii) ~ (~ (x) I (x) (x) (y) (S(x, y) ~M(y)))
The negation of (ii) becomes (iii) ~ ((x) I (x) (x) (y) (S(x, y) ~M(y)))
After converting to standard form, we get the clauses:
(iv) ~S(x, y) ~ M(y) I(f(x))
(from (i))
(v) ~S(x, y) ~ M(y) E(x, f(x)).
(from (ii))
23
(vi) ~I(z)
(vii) S(a, b)
(viii) M(b)
Resolving (iv) and (vi), we get
(ix) ~S(x, y) ~M(y)
Resolving (vii) and (ix) we get
(x) ~ M(b)
Resolving (viii) and (x), we get
(xi) False
(from (iii))
(from (iii))
(from (iii))
1.8 FURTHER READINGS

1. McKay, Thomas J., Modern Formal Logic (Macmillan Publishing Company,
1989).
2. Gensler, Harry J. Symbolic Logic: Classical and Advanced Systems (Prentice Hall
of India, 1990).
3. Klenk, Virginia Understanding Symbolic Logic (Prentice Hall of India 1983)
4. Copi Irving M. & Cohen Carl, Introduction Logic IX edition, (Prentice Hall of
India, 2001).
5. Carroll, Lewis, Symbolic Logic & Game of Logic (Dover Publication, 1955).
6. Wells, D.G., Recreations in Logic (Dover Publications, 1979).
7. Suppes Patrick, Introduction to Logic (Affiliated East-West Press, 1957).
8. Getmanova, Alexandra, Logic (Progressive Publishers, Moscow, 1989).
9. Crossely, J.N. et al What is Mathematical Logic? (Dover Publications, 1972).
10. Mendelson, Elliott: Introduction to Mathematical Logic (Second Edition)
(D.Van Nostrand Company, 1979).
24
UNIT 2 DEDUCTIVE INFERENCE RULES

AND METHODS
Structure
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
Introduction
Objectives
Basic Inference Rules and Application in PL
Basic Inference Rules and Application in FOPL
Resolution Method in PL
Resolution Method in FOPL
Summary
Solutions/Answers
Further Readings
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
Page Nos.
25
26
26
31
37
40
44
45
49
2.0 INTRODUCTION
In order to establish validity/invalidity of a conclusion C, in an argument, from a
given set of facts/axioms A1, A2,, An; so far, we only know that either a truth table
should be constructed for the formula P: A1 A2 An C, or this formula
should be converted to CNF or DNF through substitutions of equivalent formulas and
simplifications. There are other alternative methods also. However, the problem with
these methods is that as the number n of axioms becomes larger, the formula becomes
complex (imagine n = 50) and the number of involved variables, say k, also, generally,
increases. With number of variables k involved in the argument, the size of Truthtable becomes 2k. For large k, the number of rows, i.e. 2k becomes, almost
unmanageable. Therefore, we need to search for alternative methods which instead of
processing the whole of the argument as a single formula, process each of the
individual formulas A1, A2,, and C of the argument and their derivatives by
applying some rules which preserve validity.
In Section 3.2, we introduce eight inference rules for drawing valid conclusions in PL.
Next, in Section 3.3, we introduce four quantification rules, so that all the twelve
inference rules are used to validate conclusions in FOPL. The methods of drawing
valid conclusions, discussed so far, are cases of an approach of drawing valid
conclusions, called natural deduction approach of making inferences in which the
reasoning system initiates reasoning process from the axioms, uses inferencing rules
and, if the conclusion can be validly drawn, then ultimately reaches the intended
conclusion.
On the other hand, there is another approach called Refutation approach of drawing
valid conclusions. According to this approach, negation of the intended conclusion is
taken as an additional axiom. If the conclusion can be validly drawn from the axioms,
then through application of inference rules, a contradiction is encountered, i.e., two
formulas which are mutual negations, are encountered during the process of making
inference.
Resolution method is a single rule refutation method. Resolution method and its
applications for PL are discussed in Section 3.4. Resolution Method and its
applications for FOPL are discussed in Section 3.5.
25
2.1 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you should be able to:
enumerate basic inference rules of PL and also be able to apply these in solving
problems requiring PL reasoning;
enumerate four basic quantification rules and be able to apply these rules
alongwith basic rules of PL to solve problems involving FOPL reasoning;
explain Resolution method for PL and apply it in solving problems requiring PL
reasoning, and
explain Resolution method for FOPL to solve problems involving FOPL
reasoning.
2.2 BASIC INFERENCE RULES AND

APPLICATIONS IN PL
In this section, we study a method which uses a number of rules of inference for
drawing valid conclusions, and later we study Resolution Method for establishing
validity of arguments.
We introduce eight rules of inference. Each of these rules has a specific name. In
order to familiarize ourselves with
(i) what a rules of inference is ,
(ii) how a rule is represented, and
(iii) how a rule of inference helps us in solving problems.
We discuss in some detail, one of the rules known as Modus Pones.
Rule 1 Modus Ponens (M. P.)
Notations for M. P.:
P Q, P
Q
(The comma is read as and. The rule may also be written as
P, P Q
, i.e,. we may assume commutativity of comma)
Q
The rule states that if formulas P and P Q (of either propositional logic or
predicate logic) are True then we can assume the Truth of Q.
The assumption is based on the fact that through truth-table method or otherwise we
can show that if P and P Q , each is assigned truth value T then Q must have truth
value T.
Consider the Table
26
PQ
T
T
F
F
T
F
T
F
T
F
T
T
From the above table, we can see that P and P Q both are True only in the first
row and in the first row Q, the formula which is inferred, is also True.
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
The same is the reason for allowing use of other rules of inference in deducing
new facts.
Rule 2 Module Tollens (M. T.)
P Q, ~ Q
~P
The rule states if P Q is True, but Q , the consequent of P Q is False then the
antecedent P of P Q is also False.
The validity of the rule may again be established through truth-table as follows:
P
T
T
F
F
Q
T
F
T
F
PQ
T
F
T
T
In the above table P Q is T and Q is False simultaneously only in the last row and
in this row P, the formula which is inferred, is False.
Note: The validity of the rest of the rules will not be established. However, it is
desirable that the students verify the validity of the other inference rules also through
Truth-Table or otherwise.
Rule 3 Hypothetical Syllogism (H.P.)
P Q, Q R
PR
The rule states that if we assume that both the formulas P Q and Q R are True
then we may assume P R is also True.
Rule 4 Simplification (Simp.)
(i)
PQ
PQ
and (ii )
P
Q
The rule says that if P Q is True then P can be assumed to be True ( and similarly
Q may be assumed to be True.)
Some of us may be surprised at the mention of the rule, thinking that if P Q is True
then P must be True. The symbol is generally read as and. But the significance of
the rule is that is merely a symbol and its meaning in the sense of and comes
only through this rule of inference.
Rule 5 Conjunction (Conj.)
P, Q
PQ
27
The rule states if formulas P and Q are simultaneously True then the formula
P Q can be assumed to be True.
Rule 6 Disjunctive Syllogism (D.S.)
(i)
P Q, ~ P
P Q, ~ Q
and (ii)
Q
P
The two rules above state that if it is given that (a) P Q is true and (b) one of P or
Q is False, then other must be True
Rule 7 Addition (Add.)
(i)
P
Q
and (ii)
PQ
PQ
The rules state that if one of P and Q is assumed to be True, then we can assume
P Q to be True.
Rule 8 Dilemma (Dil.)
P Q, R S , P R
QS
The rule states that if both the formulas P Q and R S are assumed to be True and
if P R , i.e. disjunction of the antecedents is assumed to be True, then assume
Truth of Q S , which is disjunction of consequents.
We demonstrate how the above-mentioned rules of inference can be used in
solving problems.
Example: Symbolize and construct a proof for the following valid argument using
rules of inference:
(i) If you smoke or drink too much then you do not sleep well, and if you do not sleep
well or do not eat well then you feel rotten, (ii) If you feel rotten, you do not exercise
well and do not study enough, (iii) You do smoke too much, therefore, (iv) You do
not study enough.
Solution: Let us symbolize the statements in the argument as follows:
S: You smoke too much
D: You drink too much
W: You sleep well
E: You eat well
R: You feel rotten
X : You exercise well
T: You study enough
28
Then the three given statements marked as (i), (ii) and (iii) are symbolized as follows:
(i) (( S D) ~ W) (( ~ W ~ E) R)
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
(ii) R (~ X ~ T)
(iii) S
(iv) ~T .(To show)
Through simplification of (i), i.e., by using
(v) S D ~ W
Using Add on (iii) i.e. by using
(vi) S D
PQ
, we get
P
S
, we get
SD
and using syllogism on (v) and (vi) we get

(vii) ~ W
Again through simplification of (i), we get
(viii) (~ W ~ E) R
and by addition of (vii), we get
(ix) ~ W ~ E
From (viii) and (ix) using M.P., we get
(x) R
Again using M.P. with (ii) & (x), we get
(xi) ~ X ~ T
Again using simplification of (xi) we get the required formula
(xi) ~ T
Example: Symbolize and construct a proof for the following valid argument: (i) If the
Bible is literally true then the Earth was created in six days, (ii) If the Earth was
created in six days then carbon dating techniques are useless and scientists are frauds,
(iii) Scientists are not frauds, (iv) The Bible is literally true, therefore, (iv) God does
not exist.
Solution: Let us symbolize as follows:
B: Bible is literally true
E: The Earth was created in six days
C: Carbon dating techniques are useless
S: Scientists are frauds
G: God exists
29
Therefore the statements in the given arguments are symbolically represented as :

(i) B E
(ii) E C S
(iii) ~ S
(iv) B
(v) ~ G (to show)
Using M.P. on (i) and (iv), we get
(vi) E
Using M.P. on (ii) & (vi) we get
(vii) C S
Using Simp on (vii), we get
(viii) S
Using Addition on (viii), we get
(ix) S ~ G
Using (D.S.) on (iii) & (ix) we get
(x) ~ G
The last statement is what is to be proved.
Remarks: In the above deduction, (iii) and (viii) are contradicting each other. In
general, if in the process of derivation, we encounter two statement (like S and ~S)
which contradict each other, then we can deduce any statement even if the statement
can never be True in any sense. Thus, if both S and ~ S have already occurred in the
process of derivation, then we can assume the truth of any statement. For example, we
can assume the truth of the statement: Moon is made of green cheese
The technique, to prove any non-sense statement say NON-SENSE in a situation
where already two mutually contradicting statements say S and ~ S have already been
encountered, is the same as is used in deriving (ix) by applying Addition Rule to (viii).
Thus, once we encounter S, where ~S has already occurred, use Addition rule to get
S NON-SENSE from S. Then use D.S. on S NON-SENSE and ~S, we get NONSENSE.
Ex.1 Given the following three statements:
(i) Matter always existed
(ii) If there is God, then God created the universe.
(iii) If God created the universe, then matter did not always exist.
Show the truth of the statement: (iv) There is no God.
Ex.2 Using propositional logic, show that, if the following statements are
assumed to be true:
(i) There is a moral law.
(ii) If there is a moral law, then someone gave it.
(iii) If someone gave the moral law, then there is God.
then the following statement is also true:
(iv) There is GOD
30
2.3 BASIC INFERENCING RULES AND

APPLICATIONS IN FOPL
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
In the previous unit, we discussed eight inferencing rules of Propositional Logic (PL)
and further discussed applications of these rules in exhibiting validity/invalidity of
arguments in PL. In this section, the earlier eight rules are extended to include four
more rules involving quantifiers for inferencing. Each of the new rules, is called a
Quantifier Rule. The extended set of 12 rules is then used for validating arguments in
First Order Predicate Logic (FOPL).
Before introducing and discussing the Quantifier rules, we briefly discuss why, at all,
these rules are required. For this purpose, let us recall the argument discussed earlier,
which Propositional Logic could not handle:
(i) Every man is mortal.
(ii) Raman is a man.
(iii) Raman is mortal.
The equivalent symbolic form of the argument is given by:
(i) (x) (Man (x) Mortal (x)
(ii) Man (Raman)
(iii) Mortal (Raman)
If, instead of (i) we were given
(iv) Man (Raman) Mortal (Raman) ,
(which is a formula of Propositional Logic also)
then using Modus Ponens on (ii) & (iv) in Propositional Logic, we would have
obtained (iii) Mortal (Raman).
However, from (i) & (ii) we cannot derive in Propositional Logic (iii). This
suggests that there should be mechanisms for dropping and introducing quantifier
appropriately, i.e., in such a manner that validity of arguments is not violated. Without
discussing the validity-preserving characteristics, we introduce the four Quantifier
rules.
(i) Universal Instantiation Rule (U.I.):
(x) p ( x)
p(a)
Where is an a arbitrary constant.
The rule states if (x) p(x) is True, then we can assume P(a) as True for any constant
a (where a constant a is like Raman). It can be easily seen that the rule associates a
formula P(a) of Propositional Logic to a formula (x) p(x) of FOPL. The
significance of the rule lies in the fact that once we obtain a formula like P(a), then
the reasoning process of Propositional Logic may be used. The rule may be used ,
whenever, its application seems to be appropriate.
(ii) Universal Generalisation Rule (U.G.)
P(a ), for all a

(x) p( x)
31
The rule says that if it is known that for all constants a, the statement P(a) is True,
then we can, instead, use the formula (x) p ( x) .
The rule associates with a set of formulas P(a) for all a of Propositional Logic, a
formula (x) p ( x) of FOPL.
Before using the rule, we must ensure that P(a) is True for all a,
Otherwise it may lead to wrong conclusions.
(iii) Existential Instantiation Rule (E. I.)
(x) P( x)
P(a)
( E.I .)
The rule says if the Truth of (x) P( x) is known then we can assume the Truth of
P(a) for some fixed a . The rule, again, associates a formula P(a) of Propositional
Logic to a formula (x) p ( x) of FOPL.
An inappropriate application of this rule may lead to wrong conclusions. The source
of possible errors lies in the fact that the choice a in the rule is not arbitrary and can
not be known at the time of deducing P(a) from (x) P ( x) .
If during the process of deduction some other (y ) Q( y ) or (x) ( R ( x) ) or even
another (x)P(x) is encountered, then each time a new constant say b, c etc. should be
chosen to infer Q (b) from (y ) Q( y ) or R(c) from (x) ( R( x) ) or P(d) from
(x) P( x) .
(iv) Existential Generalization Rule (E.G)
P (a)
(x) P ( x)
(E.G)
The rule states that if P(a), a formula of Propositional Logic is True, then the Truth of
(x) P( x) , a formula of FOPL , may be assumed to be True.
The Universal Generalisation (U.G) and Existential Instantiation rules should be
applied with utmost care, however, other two rules may be applied, whenever, it
appears to be appropriate.
Next, The purpose of the two rules, viz.,
(i) Universal Instantiation Rule (U. I.)
(iii) Existantial Rule (E. I.)
is to associate formulas of Propositional Logic (PL) to formulas of FOPL in a
manner, the validity of arguments due to these associations, is not disturbed. Once, we
get formulas of PL, then any of the eight rules of inference of PL may be used to
validate conclusions and solve problems requiring logical reasoning for their
solutions.
The purpose of the other Quantification rules viz. for generalisation, i.e.,
P(a), for all a

(x) P( x)
P(a)
(iv)
(x) P ( x)
(ii)
32
is that the conclusion to be drawn in FOPL is not generally a formula of PL but a

formula of FOPL. However, while making inference, we may be first associating
formulas of PL with formulas of FOPL and then use inference rules of PL to conclude
formulas in PL. But the conclusion to be made in the problem may correspond to a
formula of FOPL. These two generalisation rules help us in associating formulas of
FOPL with formulas of PL.
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
Example: Tell, supported with reasons, which one of the following is a correct
inference and which one is not a correct inference.
(i)
To conclude F (a ) G (a ) H (a ) I (a )
from (x) ( F ( x) G ( x) ) H ( x) I ( x)
using Universal Instantiation (U.I.)
The above inference or conclusion is incorrect in view of the fact that the scope of
universal quantification is only the formula: F ( x) G ( x) and not the whole of the
formula.
The occurrences of x in H ( x) I ( x) are free occurrences. Thus, one of the correct
inferences would have been:
F (a) G (a) H ( x) I ( x)
(ii)
(iii)
To conclude F (a ) G (a ) H (a ) I (a ) from
(x) (F(x) G (x) H(x) I (x)) using U.I.
The conclusion is correct in view of the argument given in (i) above.
To conclude ~ F(a) for an arbitrary a, from ~ (x) F(x) using U.I.
The conclusion is incorrect, because actually
~ (x) F(x) = (x) ~ F (x)
Thus, the inference is not a case of U.I., but of Existential Instantiation (E.I.)
Further, as per restrictions, we can not say for which a, ~ F(x) is True. Of course,
~ F(x) is true for some constant, but not necessarily for a pre-assigned constant a.
(iv)
to conclude ( ( F (b) G (b) H (c ) )

from (x ) ( ( F (b) G ( x ) ) H (c )
Using E.I. is not correct
The reason being that the constant to be substituted for x cannot be assumed to be the
same constant b, being given in advance, as an argument of F. However,
to conclude ( ( F (b) G ( a ) H (c ) )
from (x ) ( ( F (b) G ( x ) ) H (c ) ) is correct.
Ex. 3: Tell for each of the following along with appropriate reasoning, whether it is a
case of correct/incorrect reasoning.
(i) To conclude
33
F (a) G (a) by applying E.I. to

(x) F(x) (x) G (x)
(ii) To conclude F ( a ) ( G ( a ) H ( a ) ) from
(x) F ( x) ( G ( x) H ( x) )
(iii) To conclude (x) (~ F(x) ~ G (x)) from
~ F (a) ~ G (a )
(iv) To conclude ~ ( (x )( F ( x) G ( x ) ) from ~ ( F ( a ) G ( a ) )
Step for using Predicate Calculus as a Language for Representing Knowledge &
for Reasoning:
Step 1: Conceptualisation: First of all, all the relevant entities and the relations that
exist between these entities are explicitly enumerated. Some of the implicit facts like,
a person dead once is dead for ever have to be explicated.
Step 2: Nomenclature & Translation: Giving appropriate names to objects and
relations. And then translating the given sentences given in English to formulas in
FOPL. Appropriate names are essential in order to guide a reasoning system based on
FOPL. It is well-established that no reasoning system is complete. In other words, a
reasoning system may need help in arriving at desired conclusion.
Step 3: Finding appropriate sequence of reasoning steps, involving selection of
appropriate rule and appropriate FOPL formulas to which the selected rule is to be
applied, to reach the conclusion.
Applications of the 12 inferrencing rules (8 of Propositional Logic and 4
involving Quantifiers.)
Example: Symbolize the following and then construct a proof for the argument:
(i)
Anyone who repairs his own car is highly skilled and saves a lot of money on
repairs
(ii) Some people who repair their own cars have menial jobs. Therefore,
(iii) Some people with menial jobs are highly skilled.
Solution: Let us use the notation:
P(x)
S(x)
M(x)
R(x)
H(x)
:
:
:
:
:
x is a person
x saves money on repairs
x has a menial job
x repairs his own car
x is highly skilled.
Therefore, (i), (ii) and (iii) can be symbolized as:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(x) (R(x) (H(x)S(x)))

(x) (R(x)M(x))
(x) (M(x)H(x)) (to be concluded)
From (ii) using Existential Instantiation (E.I), we get, for some fixed a
34
R(a) M(a)
Then by simplification rule of Propositional Logic, we get
(v)
R(a)
From (i), using Universal Instantiation (U.I.), we get
(vi)
R(a) H(a) S(a)
Using modus ponens w.r.t. (v) and (vi) we get
(vii) H(a) S(a)
By specialisation of (vii) we get
(viii) H(a)
By specialisation of (iv) we get
(ix)
M(a)
By conjunctions of (viii) & (ix) we get
M(a) H(a)
By Existential Generalisation, we get
(x) (M(x) H(x))
(iv)
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
Hence, (iii) is concluded.

Example:
(i)
Some juveniles who commit minor offences are thrown into prison, and any
juvenile thrown into prison is exposed to all sorts of hardened criminals.
A juvenile who is exposed to all sorts of hardened criminals will become bitter
and learn more techniques for committing crimes.
Any individual who learns more techniques for committing crimes is a menace
to society, if he is bitter.
Therefore, some juveniles who commit minor offences will be menaces to the
society.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Example: Let us symbolize the statement in the given argument as follows:

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
J(x)
C(x)
P(x)
E(x)
B(x)
T(x)
M(x)
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
x is juvenile.
x commits minor offences.
x is thrown into prison.
x is exposed to hardened criminals.
x becomes bitter.
x learns more techniques for committing crimes.
x is a menace to society.
The statements of the argument may be translated as:

(i)
(x) (J(x) C(x) P(x)) ((y) (J(y)E(y))
(ii)
(x) (J(x) E(x) B(x) T(x))
(iii)
(x) (T(x) B(x) M(x))
Therefore,
(iv)
(x) (J(x) C(x) M(x))
By simplification (i) becomes
(v)
(x) (J(x) C(x) P(x)) and
(vi)
(y) (J(y) E(y))
From (v) through Existential Instantiation, for some fixed b, we get
(vii)
J(b) C(b) P(b)
Through simplification (vii) becomes
(viii)
J(b)
35
(ix)
(x)
C(b) and
P(b)
Using Universal Instantiation, on (vi), we get

(xi)
J(b) E (b)
Using Modus Ponens in (vii) and (xi) we get
(xii)
E(b)
Using conjunction for (viii) & (xii) we get
(xiii) J(b) E(b)
Using Universal Instantiation on (ii) we get
(xiv) J(b) E(b)B(b) T(b)
Using Modus Ponens for (xiii) & (xiv), we get
(xv)
T(b) B(b)
Using Universal Instantiation for (iii) we get
(xvi) T(b) B(b)M(b)
Using Modus Ponens with (xv) and (xvi) we get
(xvii) M(b)
Using conjunction for (viii), (ix) and (xvii) we get
(xviii) J(b) C(b) M(b)
From (xviii), through Existential Generalization we get the required (iv), i.e.
(x) (J(x) C(x) M(x))
Remark: It may be noted the occurrence of quantifiers is not, in general,
commutative i.e.,
(Q1x) (Q2x) (Q2x) (Q1x)
For example
(x) (y) F(x,y) (y) (x) F(x,y)
(A)
The occurrence of (y) on L.H.S depends on x i.e., occurrence of y on L.H.S is a
function of x. However, the occurrence of (y) on R.H.S is independent of x, hence,
occurrence of y on R.H.S is not a function of x.
For example, if we take F(x,y) to mean:
y and x are integers such that y>x,
then, L.H.S of (A) above states: For each x there is a y such that y>x.
The statement is true in the domain of real numbers.
On the other hand, R.H.S of (A) above states that: There is an integer y which is
greater than x, for all x.
This statement is not true in the domain of real numbers.
Ex. 4 We are given the statements:
(i)
(ii)
No feeling of pain is publically observable

All chemical processes are publically observable
We are to prove that

(iii)
36
No feeling of pain is a chemical process.
2.4 RESOLUTION METHOD IN PL
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
Basically, there are two different approaches for proving a theorem or for making a
valid deduction from a given set of axioms:
i)
ii)
natural deduction
refutation method
In the natural deduction approach, one starts with a the set of axioms, uses some
rules of inference and arrives at a conclusion. This approach closely resembles of the
intuitive reasoning of human beings.
On the other hand, in a refutation method, one starts with the negation of the
conclusion to be drawn and derives a contradiction or FALSE. Because of having
assumed the conclusion as false, we derive a contradiction; therefore, the
assumption that the conclusion is wrong, itself is wrong. Hence, the argument of
resolution method leads to the validity of the conclusion.
So far, we have discussed methods, of solving problems requiring reasoning of
propositional logic, that were based on
i)
Truth-table construction
ii) Use of inference rules,
and follow, directly or indirectly, natural deduction approach.
In this section, we discuss another method, viz., Resolution Method suggested by
Robinson in 1965 which is based on refutation approach. The method is important
in view of the fact that the Robinsons method has been a basis for some automated
theorem provers. Even, the logic programming language PROLOG (subject matter of
Unit 2, Block 3) is based on Resolution Method. The resolution method, as mentioned
above, is a refutation method.
In this section, we discuss how the resolution method is applied in solving problems
using only Propositional Logic (PL). The general resolution method for FOPL is
discussed in the next section.
The resolution method in PL is applied only after converting the given statements or
wffs into clausal forms. A clasual form of a wff is obtained by first converting the
wff into its equivalent Conjuctive Normal Form (CNF). We already know that a
clause is a formula (only) of the form:
A1 A2 .. An ,
where Ai is either an atomic formula or negation of an atomic formula.
The resolution method is a generalization of the Modus Ponens, i.e., of
P, P Q
P, ~ P Q
when written in the equivalent form
Q
Q
(replacing P Q by ~ P Q).
This simple special case, of general resolution principle to be discussed soon, states
that if the two formulas P and ~ P Q are given to be True, then we can assume Q to
be True.
The validity of (general) resolution method can be established by constructing truthtable.
37
In order to discuss the resolution method, first we discuss some of its applications.
Example: Let C1 : Q R and C2: ~ Q S be two given clauses, so that, one of the
literals i.e., Q occurs in one of the clauses (in this case C1) and its negation (~ Q)
occurs in the other clause C2. Then application of resolution method in this case tells
us to take disjunction of the remaining parts of the given clause C1 and C2, i.e., to take
C3 : R S as deduction from C1 and C2. Then C3 is called a resolvent of C1 and C2.
The two literals Q and (~ Q) which occur in two different clauses are called
complementary literals.
In order to illustrate resolution method, we consider another example.
Example: Let us be given the clauses C1: ~ S ~ Q R and C2; ~ P Q.
In this case, complementary pair of literals viz. Q and ~ Q occur in the two clause C1
and C2.
Hence, the resolution method states:
Conclude C3: ~ S R (~ P)
Example: Let us be given the clauses C1: ~ Q R and C2: ~ Q S
Then, in this case, the clauses do not have any complementary pair of literals and
hence, resolution method cannot be applied.
Example: Consider a set of three clauses
C1 : R
C2: ~ R S
C3: ~ S
Then, from C1 and C2 we conclude, through resolution:
C4: S
From C3 and C4, we conclude,
C5 : FALSE
However, a resolvent FALSE can be deduced only from an unstatisfiable set of
clauses. Hence, the set of clauses C1, C2 and C3 is an unsatisfiable set of clauses.
Example: Consider the set of clauses
C1: R S
C2: ~ R S
C3: R ~ S
C4: ~ R ~ S
Then, from clauses C1 and C2 we get the resolvent
C5 : S S = S
From C3 and C4 we get the resolvent
C6 : ~ S
From C5 and C6 we get the resolvent
C7 : FALSE
Thus, again the set of clauses C1, C2, C3 and C4 is unsatisfiable.
Note: We could have obtained the resolvent FALSE from only two clauses, viz., C2
and C3. Thus, out of the given four clauses, even set of only two clauses viz, C2 and C3
is unsatisfiable. Also, a superset of any unsatisfiable set is unsatisfiable.
38
Example: Show that the set of clauses:

C1: R S
C2: ~ S W
C3: ~ R S
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
C4: ~ W is unsatisfiable.
From clauses C1 and C3 we get the resolvent
C7 : S
From the clauses C7 and C2 we get the resolvent
C8 : W
From the clauses C8 and C4 we get
C9 : FALSE
Hence, the given set of clauses is unsatisfiable.
Problem Solving using resolution method. We have mentioned earlier, the
resolution method is a refutation method. Therefore, proof technique in solving
problems will be as follows:
After symbolizing the problem under consideration, add the negation of the wff which
represents conclusion, as an additional premise. From this enhanced set of
premises/axioms, derive FALSE or contradiction. If we are able to conclude FALSE,
then the conclusion, that was required to be drawn, is valid and problem is solved.
However, through all efforts, if we are not able to derive FALSE, then we cannot say
whether the conclusion is valid or invalid. Hence, the problem with given axioms and
the conclusion is not solvable.
Let us now apply Resolution Method for the problems considered earlier.
Example: Suppose the stock prices go down if the interest rate goes up. Suppose also
that the most people are unhappy when stock prices go down. Assume that the interest
rate goes up. Show that we can conclude that most people are unhappy.
To show the above conclusion, let us denote the statements as follows:
A : Interest rate goes up,
S : Stock prices go down
U : Most people are unhappy
The problem has the following four statements
1)
2)
3)
4)
If the interest rate goes up, stock prices go down.

If stock prices go down, most people are unhappy.
The interest rate goes up.
Most people are unhappy. (to conclude)
These statements are first symbolized as wffs of PL as follows:

(1) A S
(2) S U
(3) A
(4) U. (to conclude)
Converting to clausal form, we get
(i) ~ A S
(ii) ~ S U
(iii) A
(iv) U (to be concluded)
39
As per resolution method, assume (iv) as false, i.e., assume ~ U as initially given
statement, i.e., an axiom.
Thus, the set of axioms in clasual form is:
(i) ~ A S
(ii) ~ S U
(iii) A
(iv) ~ U
Then from (i) and (iii), through resolution, we get the clause
(v) S.
From (ii) and (iv), through resolution, we get the clause
(vi) ~ S
From (vi) and (v), through resolution we get,
(viii) FALSE
Hence, the conclusion, i.e.,
(iv) U : Most people are unhappy
is valid.
We might have observed from the above solution using resolution method, that clausal
conversion is a major time-consuming step after translation to wffs. Generally, once
the clausal form is obtained, proof, at least, by a human being can be easily visualised.
Ex. 5:Given that if the Parliament refuses to enact new laws, then the strike will not
be over unless it lasts more than one year and the president of the firm resigns, will
the strike not be over if the Parliament refuses to act and the strike just starts?
2.5 RESOLUTION METHOD IN FOPL

In the beginning of the previous section, we mentioned that resolution method for
FOPL requires discussion of a number of complex new concepts. Also, in Block 2, we
discussed (Skolem) Standard Form and also discussed how to obtain Standard Form
for a given formula of FOPL. In this section, we introduce two new, and again
complex, concepts, viz., substitution and unification.
The complexity of the resolution method for FOPL mainly results from the fact that a
clause in FOPL is generally of the form : P(x) Q ( f(x), x, y) .., in which the
variables x, y, z, may assume any one of the values of their domain.
Thus, the atomic formula (x) P(x), which after dropping of universal quantifier, is
written as just P(x) stands for P(a1) P(a2) P(an) where the set {a1 a2, an} is
assumed here to be domain (x).
Similarly, (x) P(x) stands for ( P(a1 ) P(a2) . P(an)
However, in order to resolve two clauses one containing say P(x) and the other
containing ~ P(y) where x and y are universal quantifiers, possibly having some
restrictions, we have to know which values of x and y satisfy both the clauses. For this
purpose we need the concepts of substitution and unification as defined and
discussed in the rest of the section.
Instead of giving formal definitions of substitution, unification, unifier, most general
unifier and resolvent, resolution of clauses in FOPL, we illustrate the concepts
through examples and minimal definitions, if required
40
Example: Let us consider our old problem:
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
To conclude
(i) Raman is mortal
From the following two statements:
(ii) Every man is mortal and
(iii) Raman is a man
Using the notations
MAN (x) : x is a man
MORTAL (x) : x is mortal,
the problem can be formulated in symbolic logic as: Conclude
MORTAL (Raman)
from
(ii) ((x) (MAN(x) MORTAL (x))
(iii) MAN (Raman).
As resolution is a refutation method, assume
(i) ~ MORTAL (Raman)
After Skelomization and dropping (x), (ii) in standard form becomes
(i)
(ii)
~ MAN (x) MORTAL (x)

MAN (Raman)
In the above x varies over the set of human beings including Raman. Hence, one
special instance of (iv) becomes
(vi) ~ MAN (Raman) MORTAL (Raman)
At the stage, we may observe that
(a) MAN(Raman) and MORTAL(Raman) do not contain any variables, and, hence,
their truth or falsity can be determined directly. Hence, each of like a formula of PL.
In term of formula which does not contain any variable is called ground term or
ground formula.
(b) Treating MAN (Raman) as formula of PL and using resolution method on (v) and
(vi), we conclude
(vii) MORTAL (Raman),
Resolving (i) and (vii), we get False. Hence, the solution.
Unification: In the process of solution of the problem discussed above, we tried to
make the two expression MAN(x) and MAN(Raman) identical. Attempt to make
identical two or more expressions is called unification.
41
In order to unify MAN (x) and MAN (Raman) identical, we found that because one of
the possible values of x is Raman also. And, hence, we replaced x by one of its
possible values : Raman.
This replacement of a variable like x, by a term (which may be another variable also)
which is one of the possible values of x, is called substitution. The substitution, in
this case is denoted formally as {Raman/x}
Substitution, in general, notationally is of the form {t1 / x1 , t2 / x2 tm/ xm } where
x1, x2 , xm are variables and t2, t2 tm are terms and ti replaces the variable xi in
some expression.
Example: (i) Assume Lord Krishna is loved by everyone who loves someone (ii) Also
assume that no one loves nobody. Deduce Lord Krishna is loved by everyone.
Solution: Let us use the symbols
Love (x, y): x loves y (or y is loved by x)
LK : Lord Krishna
Then the given problem is formalized as :
(i) (x) ((y) Love (x, y)Love (x, LK))
(ii) ~ (x) ((y) ~ Love (x, y))
To show : (x) (Love (x, LK))
As resolution is a refutation method, assume negation of the last statement as an
axiom.
(iii) ~ (x) Love (x, LK)
The formula in (i) above is reduced in standard form as follows:
(x) (~ (y) Love (x, y) Love (x, LK) )
= (x) ( (y) ~ Love (x, y) Love (x, LK) )
= (x) (y) (~ Love (x, y) Love L (x, LK) )
( (y) does not occurs in Love (x, LK))
After dropping universal quantifications, we get
(iv) ~ Love (x, y) Love (x, LK)
Formula (ii) can be reduced to standard form as follows:
(ii) = (x) (y) Love (x, y)
y is replaced through skolomization by f(x)
so that we get
(x) Love (x, f(x))
42
Dropping the universal quantification
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
(v) Love (x, f(x))

The formula in (iii) can be brought in standard form as follows:
(iii) = (x) ( ~ Love (x, LK))
As existential quantifier x is not preceded by any universal quantification, therefore, x
may be substituted by a constant a , i.e., we use the substitution {a/x} in (iii) to get the
standard form:
(vi) ~ Love (a, LK).
Thus, to solve the problem, we have the following standard form formulas for
resolution:
(iv) ~ Love (x, y) Love (x, LK)
(v) Love (x, f(x))
(vi) ~ Love (a, LK).
Two possibilities of resolution exist for two pairs of formulas viz.
one possibility: resolving (v) and (vi).
second possibility : resolving (iv) and (vi).
The possibilities exist because for each possibility pair, the predicate Love occurs in
complemented form in the respective pair.
Next we attempt to resolve (v) and (vi)
For this purpose we attempt to make the two formulas Love(x, f(x)) and Love (a, LK)
identical, through unification involving substitutions. We start from the left, matching
the two formulas, term by term. First place where matching may fail is when x
occurs in one formula and a occurs in the other formula. As, one of these happens
to be a variable, hence, the substitution {a/x} can be used to unify the portions so far.
Next, possible disagreement through term-by-term matching is obtained when we get
the two disagreeing terms from two formulas as f(x) and LK. As none of f(x) and LK
is a variable (note f(x) involves a variable but is itself not a variable), hence, no
unification and, hence, no resolution of (v) and (vi) is possible.
Next, we attempt unification of (vi) Love (a, LK) with Love (x, LK) of (iv).
Then first term-by-term possible disagreement occurs when the corresponding terms
are a and x respectively. As one of these is a variable, hence, the substitution{a/x}
unifies the parts of the formulas so far. Next, the two occurrences of LK, one each in
the two formulas, match. Hence, the whole of each of the two formulas can be unified
through the substitution {a/x}. Though the unification has been attempted in
corresponding smaller parts, substitution has to be carried in the whole of the
formula, in this case in whole of (iv). Thus, after substitution, (iv) becomes
(viii) ~ Love (a, y) Love (a, L K)
resolving (viii) with (vi) we get
(ix) ~ Love (a, y)
43
In order to resolve (v) and (ix), we attempt to unify Love (x, f(x)) of (v) with Love (a,
y) of (ix). The term-by-term matching leads to possible disagreement of a of (ix) with
x of (v). As, one of these is a variable, hence, the substitution {a/x} will unify the
portions considered so far. Next, possible disagreement may occur with f (x) of (v)
and y of (ix). As one of these are a variable viz. y, therefore, we can unify the two
terms through the substitution { f(x)/y}. Thus, the complete substitution {a/x, f (x)/y}
is required to match the formulas.
Making the substitutions, we get
(v) becomes Love (a, f(x))
and (ix) becomes ~ Love (a, f (x))
Resolving these formulas we get False. Hence, the proof.
Ex. 6: Unify, if possible, the following three formulas:
(i)
Q (u, f (y, z)),
(ii)
Q (u, a)
(iii)
Q (u, g (h (k (u))))
Ex. 7: Determine whether the following formulas are unifiable or not:
(i)
Q (f (a), g(x))
(ii)
Q (x, y)
Example: Find resolvents, if possible for the following pairs of clauses:

(i)
(ii)
~ Q (x, z, x) Q (w, z, w) and

Q (w, h (v, v), w)
Solution: As two literals with predicate Q occur and are mutually negated in (i) and
(ii),therefore, there is possibility of resolution of ~ Q (x, z, x) from (i) with Q (w, h (v,
v), w) of (ii). We attempt to unify Q (x, z, x) and Q (w, h (v, v), w), if possible, by
finding an appropriate substitution. First terms x and w of the two are variables,
hence, unifiable with either of the substitutions {x/w} or {w/x}. Let us take {w/x}.
Next pair of terms from the two formulas, viz, z and h(v, v) are also unifiable,
because, one of the terms is a variable, and the required substitution for unification is
{ h (v, v)/z}.
Next pair of terms at corresponding positions is again {w, x} for which, we have
determined the substitution {w/x}. Thus, the substitution {w/x, h(v, v)/z} unfies the
two formulas. Using the substitutions, (i) and (ii) become resp. as
(iii)
~ Q (w, h (v, v), w) Q (w, h (v, v), w)
(iv)
Q (w, h (v, v), w)
Resolving, we get
Q (w, h (v, v), w),
which is the required resolvent.
2.6 SUMMARY
In this unit, eight basic rules of inference for PL and four rules involving quantifiers
for inferencing in FOPL, are introduced respectively in Section 3.2 and Section 3.3,
and then these rules are used in solving problems. Further, a new method of drawing
inference called Resolution method based on refutation approach, is discussed in the
next two Sections. In Section 3.4, Resolution method for PL is introduced and applied
in solving problems involving PL reasoning. In Section 3.5, Resolution method for
FOPL is introduced and used for solving problems involving FOPL reasoning.
44
Problems with FOPL as a system of knowledge representation and reasoning:
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
FOPL is not capable of easily representing some kinds of information including

information pieces involving.
(i) Properties of relations. For example, the mathematical statement:
Any relation which is symmetric and transitive may not be reflexive is not expressible
in FOPL. A relation in FOPL can only be constant, and not a variable. Only in second
and higher order logics, the relations may be variable. This type of logics are not
within the scope of the course.
(ii) linguistic variable like hot, tall, sweat.
For example: It is very cold today,
can not be appropriately expressed in FOPL.
(iii) different belief systems.
For example, I know that he thinks India will win the match, but I think India
will lose, also, cannot be appropriately expressed in FOPL.
Ex.1: Assuming the statements (i), (ii) and (iii) given above as True we are required to
Show the truth of (iv)
The first step is to mark the logical operators, if any, in the statements of the
argument/problem under consideration.
In the above-mentioned problem, statement (i) does not contain any logical operator.
Each of the statements (ii) and (iii) contains the logical operator If.then.
The next step is to use symbols, P, Q, R, for atomic formulas occurring in the
problem. The symbols are generally mnemonic, i.e., names used to help memory.
Let us denote the atomic statements in the argument given above as follows:
M: Matter always existed,
TG: There is God,
GU: God created the universe.
Then the given statements in English, become respectively the following formulas of
PL:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
M
TG GU
GU ~ M
~ TG (To show)
Applying transposition to (iii) we get

(v)
M ~ GU
using (i) and (v) and applying Modus Ponens, we get

(vi)
~ GU
Again, applying transposition to (ii) we get
45
(vii) ~ GU ~ TG
Applying Modus Ponens to (vi) and (vii) we get
(vii) ~ TG
The formula (viii) is the same as formula (iv) which was required to be proved.
Ex.2 In order to translate in PL, let us use the symbols:
ML: there is a moral law,
SG: someone gave it, (the word it stand for moral law)
TG: There is God.
Using these symbols, the Statement (i) to (iv) become the formula (i) to (iv) of PL as
given below:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
ML
ML SG
SG TG and
TG
Applying Modus Ponens to formulae (i) and (ii) we get the formula
(v)
SG
Applying Modus Ponens to (v) and (iii), we get

(vi) TG
But formula (vi) is the same as (iv), which is required to be established. Hence the
proof.
Ex. 3: (i) Concluding F (a) G (a) from (x) F ( x) (x) G ( x) is incorrect, because,
as mentioned earlier also, the given Quantified Formula may be equivalently written
as (x) F ( x) (y ) G ( y ) . And in the case of each existential quantification, we can
not assign an already-used constant. Therefore, a correct conclusion may be of the
form
F (a) G (b)
(ii) The conclusion of F ( a ) ( G ( a ) H ( a ) )

from (x ) F ( x) ( G ( x) H ( x) )
is again incorrect, in view of the fact that scope of existential variable in the
formula, is only F(x) and not the whole formula. Hence, the last two occurrences
of x are free. Therefore, a correct conclusion can be F (a) (G (x) H (x))
(iii) The conclusion is correct
(iv) The conclusion is incorrect, because , from the given fact ~ ( F ( a ) G ( a ) ) ,
we may conclude ((x) (~ (F (x) G (x))
which is equivalent to ~ (x) ( F ( x) G ( x) )
and not to ~ (x) (F (x) G(x))
46
Ex. 4: For translating the given statements (i), (ii) & (iii), let us use the notation:
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
F(x): x is an instance of feeling of pain

O(x): x is an entity that is publically observable
C(x): x is a chemical process.
Then, the statement (i), (ii) and (iii) can be equivalently expressed as formulas of
FOPL
(i) (x) ( F(x) ~ O(x) )
(ii) (x) ( C(x) O(x) )
To prove
(iii) (x) ( F(x) ~ C(x) )
From (i) using generalized instantiation, we get
(iv) F (a) ~ O(a), for any arbitrary a
Similarly, from (ii), using generalized instantiation, we get
(v) C(b) O(b), for arbitrary b
From (iv) using transposition rule, we get
(vi) O(a) ~ F(a), for arbitrary a
As b is arbitrary in (v), therefore we can rewrite (v) as
(vii) C(a) O(a), for arbitrary a
From (vii) and (vi) and using chain rule, we get
(viii) C(a) ~ F(a), for any arbitrary a
But as a is arbitrary in (viii), by generalized quantification, we get
(ix) (x) ( C(x) ~ F(x) )
But (ix) is the same as (iii), which was required to be proved.
Ex. 5: Let us symbolize the statements in the problem given above as follows:
A:
The Parliament refuses to act.
B:
The strike is over.
R:
The president of the firm resigns.
S:
The strike lasts more than one year.
Then the facts and the question to be answered can be symbolized as:
E1: (A (~ B (R S))) represents the statement: If the congress refuses to enact
new laws, then the strike will not be over unless it lasts more than one year and the
president of the firm resigns.
(Note: Punless Q = P Q)
E2 : A represents the statement: The congress refuses to act, and
E3: ~ S represent the statement: The strike just starts.
E4: ~ B (to be concluded)
47
As we are going to use resolution method, we use E5 the negation of E4 as an axiom

in addition to E1, E2 and E3.
E5: B
As a first step, we convert E1, E2, E3 and E5 into clausal forms as follows:
E1: ~ A (~ B (R S)))
Using associativity of , we get
= (~ A ~ B) (R S)
Using distributivity of over , we get
= (~ A ~ B R ) (~ A ~ B S)
replacing E1 by two clauses
E11: (~ A ~ B R) and
E12: (~ A ~ B S)
E2, E3 and E5 are already in clausal form
We get the axioms, including the negation of the conclusion, in the clausal form
as
E11: (~ A ~ B R)
E12: (~ A ~ B S)
E2: A
E3: ~ S
E5: ~ (~ B) = B
By resolving E2 with E12, we get the resolvent
E6: ~ B S
By resolving E5 with E6, we get the resolvent as
E7 : S
By resolving E7 with E3, we get the resolvent as
E8 : FALSE
Hence, the conclusion ~ B: The strike will not be over, is valid.
Ex. 6: First, we attempt to unify (i) and (ii)
As the predicate is Q in each of the given terms, therefore, we should attempt
matching terms. The first terms match, as each is u. Next second terms are a and f
(y, z), none of which is a variable. Hence, (i) and (ii) are not unifiable.
In the similar manner (i) and (iii) are not unifiable as the second terms f (y, z) and g (h
(k (u))) are such that none is a variable.
Ex. 7: The predicate symbols (each being Q) match. Hence, we may proceed. Next,
the first two terms viz. f (a) and x, are not identical. However, as one of these terms is
a variable viz. x, hence, the corresponding terms are unifiable with substitution
{f (a)/x}.
Next, the two terms g (x) and y, one from each of the formula at corresponding
positions, are again unifiable by the substitution { g(x)/y}.
Hence, the required substitutions { f (a)/x, g (f (a))/y} using the substitution {f (a)/x}
in g (x)/y to get the substitution {g (f (a))/y}.
Therefore the two formulas are unifiable and after unification the formulas become
Q (f(a), g (f (a)))
48

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Deductive Inference
Rules and Methods
McKay, Thomas J., Modern Formal Logic (Macmillan Publishing Company,

1989).
Gensler, Harry J. Symbolic Logic: Classical and Advanced Systems (Prentice
Hall, 1990).
Klenk, Virginia Understanding Symbolic Logic (Prentice Hall 1983)
Mendelson, Elliott: Introduction to Mathematical Logic (Second Edition)
(D.Van Nostrand Company, 1979).
Copi Irving M. & Cohen Carl, Introduction Logic, IX edition, (Prentice Hall of
India, 2001).
Stuart Russell, Peter Norving Artificial Intelligence (Second Edition) (Pearson
Education 2003).
49
Knowledge Representations
UNIT 3 SYSTEMS FOR

IMPRECISE/INCOMPLETE
KNOWLEDGE
Structure
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
Introduction
Objectives
Fuzzy Systems
Relations on Fuzzy Sets
Operations on Fuzzy Sets
Operations Unique to Fuzzy Sets
Non-Monotonic Reasoning Systems
Default Reasoning Systems
Closed World Assumption Systems
Other Non-Deductive Systems
Summary
Solutions/ Answers
Further Readings
Page Nos.
50
51
51
55
57
59
62
64
65
66
67
67
68
3.0 INTRODUCTION
In the earlier three units of the block, we discussed PL and FOPL systems for making
inferences and solving problems requiring logical reasoning. However, these systems
assume that the domain of the problems under consideration is complete, precise and
consistent. But, in the real world, the knowledge of the problem domains is generally
neither precise nor consistent and is hardly complete.
In this unit, we discuss a number of techniques and formal systems that attempt to
handle some of these blemishes. To begin with, in Sections 4.2 to 4.5, we discuss
fuzzy systems that attempt to handle imprecision in knowledge bases, specially, due
to use of natural language words like hot, good, tall etc.
Then, we discuss non-monotonic systems which deal with indefiniteness of
knowledge in the knowledge bases. The significance of these systems lies in the fact
that most of the statements in the knowledge bases are actually based on beliefs of the
concerned persons or actors. These beliefs get revised as better evidence for some
other beliefs become available, where the later beliefs may be in conflict with the
earlier beliefs. In such cases, the earlier beliefs my have to be temporarily suspended
or permanently excluded from further considerations.
In Sections 4.7 and 4.8, we discuss two formal systems that attempt to handle
incompleteness of the available information. These systems are called Default
Reasoning Systems and Closed World Assumption Systems. Finally, we discuss
some inference rules, viz, abductive inference rule and inductive inference rule that
are, though not deductive, yet are quite useful in solving problems arising out of
everyday experience.
50
3.1 OBJECTIVES
Systems for
Imprecise/incomplete
knowledge
After going through this unit, you should be able to:
enumerate various formal methods, which deal with different types of blemishes
like incompleteness, imprecision and inconsistency in a knowledge base;
discuss, why fuzzy systems are required;
discuss, develop and use fuzzy arithmetic tools in solving problems, the
descriptions of which involve imprecision;
discuss default reasoning as a tool for handling incompleteness of knowledge;
discuss Closed World Assumption System, as another tool for handling

incompleteness of knowledge, and
discuss and use non-deductive inference rules like abduction and induction, as
tools for solving problems from everyday experience.
3.2 FUZZY SYSTEMS

In the symbolic Logic systems like, PL and FOPL, that we have studied so far, any
(closed) formula has a truth-value which must be binary, viz., True or False.
However, in our everyday experience, we encounter problems, the descriptions of
which involve some words, because of which, to statements of situations, it is not
possible to assign a truth value: True or False. For example, consider the statement:
If the water is too hot, add normal water to make it comfortable for taking a bath.
In the above statement, for a number of words/phrases including too hot add,
comfortable etc., it is not possible to tell when exactly water is too hot, when water
is (at) normal (temperature), when exactly water is comfortable for taking a bath.
For example, we cannot tell the temperature T such that for water at temperature T or
less, truth value False can be associated with the statement Water is too hot and at
the same time truth-value True can also be associated to the same statement Water is
too hot when the temperature of the water is, say, at degree T + 1, T + 2.etc.
Some other cases of Fuzziness in a Natural Language
Healthy Person: we cannot even enumerate all the parameters that determine health.
Further, it is even more difficult to tell for what value of a particular parameter, one is
healthy or otherwise.
Old/young person: It is not possible to tell exactly upto exactly what age, one is
young and, by just addition of one day to the age, one becomes old. We age gradually.
Aging is a continuous process.
Sweet Milk: Add small sugar cube one at a time to glass of milk, and go on adding
upto, say, 100 small cubes.
Initially, without sugar, we may take milk as not sweet. However, with addition of
each one small sugar particle cube, the sweetness gradually increases. It is not
possible to say that after addition of 100 small cubes of sugar, the milk becomes
sweet, and, till addition of 99 small cubes, it was not sweet.
Pool, Pond, Lake,.., Sea, Ocean: for different sized water bodies, we can not say
when exactly a pool becomes a pond, when exactly a pond becomes a lake and so on.
51
One of the reasons, for this type of problem of our inability to associate one of the
two-truth values to statements describing everyday situations, is due to the use of
natural language words like hot, good, beautiful etc. Each of these words does not
denote something constant, but is a sort of linguistic variable. The context of a
particular usage of such a word may delimit the scope of the word as a linguistic
variable. The range of values, in some cases, for some phrases or words, may be very
large as can be seen through the following three statements:
Dinosaurs ruled the earth for a long period (about millions of years)
It has not rained for a long period (say about six months).
I had to wait for the doctor for a long period (about six hours).
Fuzzy theory provides means to handle such situations. A Fuzzy theory may be
thought as a technique of providing continuization to the otherwise binary
disciplines like Set Theory, PL and FOPL.
Further, we explain how using fuzzy concepts and rules, in situation like the ones
quoted below, we, the human beings solve problems, despite ambiguity in language.
Let us recall the case of crossing a road discussed in Unit 1 of Block 1. We
Mentioned that a step by step method of crossing a road may consist of
(i)
Knowing (exactly) the distances of various vehicles from the path to be

followed to cross over.
(ii)
Knowing the velocities and accelerations of the various vehicles moving on the
road within a distance of, say, one kilometer.
(iii) Using Newtons Laws of motion and their derivatives like s = ut +
1 2
at , and
2
calculating the time that would be taken by each of the various vehicles to reach
the path intended to be followed to cross over.
(iv)
Adjusting dynamically our speeds on the path so that no collision takes place
with any of the vehicle moving on the road.
But, we know the human beings not only do not follow the above precise method but
cannot follow the above precise method. We, the human beings rather feel
comfortable with fuzziness than precision. We feel comfortable, if the instruction
for crossing a road is given as follows:
Look on both your left hand and right hand sides, particularly in the beginning, to
your right hand side. If there is no vehicle within reasonable distance, then attempt to
cross the road. You may have to retreat back while crossing, from somewhere on the
road. Then, try again.
The above instruction has a number of words like left, right (it may 45 to the right or
90 to the right) reasonable, each of which does not have a definite meaning. But we
feel more comfortable than the earlier instruction involving precise terms.
Let us consider another example of our being comfortable with imprecision than
precision. The statement: The sky is densely clouded is more comprehensible to
human beings than the statement: The cloud cover of the sky is 93.5 %.
Thus is because of the fact that, we, the human beings are still better than computers
in qualitative reasoning. Because of better qualitative reasoning capabilities
52
just by looking at the eyes only and/or nose only, we may recognize a person.
just by taking and feeling a small number of grains from cooking rice bowl, we
can tell whether the rice is properly cooked or not.
just by looking at few buildings, we can identify a locality or a city.
Systems for
knowledge
Achieving Human Capability

In order that computers achieve human capability in solving such problems,
computers must be able to solve problems for which only incomplete and/or
imprecise information/knowledge is available.
Modelling of Solutions and Data/Information/Knowledge
We know that for any problem, the plan of the proposed solution and the relevant
information is fed in the computer in a form acceptable to the computer.
However, the problems to be solved with the help of computers are, in the first place,
felt by the human beings. And then, the plan of the solution is also prepared by human
beings.
It is conveyed to the computer mainly for execution, because computers have much
better executional speed.
Summarizing the discussion, we conclude the following facts
(i) We, the human beings, sense problems, desire the problems to be solved and
express the problems and the plan of a solution using imprecise words of a natural
language.
(ii) We use computers to solve the problems, because of their executional power.
(iii) Computers function better, when the information is given to the computer in
terms of mathematical entities like numbers, sets, relations, functions, vectors,
matrices graphs, arrays, trees, records, etc., and when the steps of solution are
generally precise, involving no ambiguity.
In order to meet the mutually conflicting requirements:
(i) Imprecision of natural language, with which the human beings are comfortable,
where human beings feel a problem and plan its solution.
(ii) Precision of a formal system, with which computers operate efficiently, where
computers execute the solution, generally planned by human beings
a new formal system viz. Fuzzy system based on the concept of Fuzzy was
suggested for the first time in 1965 by L. Zadeh.
In order to initiate the study of Fuzzy systems, we quote two statements to recall the
difference between a precise statement and an imprecise statement.
A precise Statement is of the form: If income is more than 2.5 lakhs then tax is 10%
of the taxable income.
An imprecise statement may be of the form: If the forecast about the rain being
slightly less than previous year is believed, then there is around 30% probability that
economy may suffer heavily.
The concept of Fuzzy, which when applied as a prefix/adjective to mathematical
entities like set, relation, functions, tree, etc., helps us in modelling the imprecise
data, information or knowledge through mathematical tools.
53
Crisp Set/Relation vs. Fuzzy Set/Relation: In order to differentiate the sets,

normally used so far, from the fuzzy sets to be introduced soon, we may call the
normally called sets as crisp sets.
Next, we explain, how the fuzzy sets are defined, using mathematical entities, to
capture imprecise concepts, through an example of the concept : tall.
In Indian context, we may say, a male adult, is
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
iv)
(v)
definitely tall if his height > 6 feet

not at all tall if height < 5 feet and
if his height = 5' 2 a little bit tall
if his height = 5' 6 slightly tall
if height = 5' 9 reasonably tall etc.
Next step is to model definitely tall not at all tall, little bit tall, slightly tall
reasonably Tall etc. in terms of mathematical entities, e.g., numbers; sets etc.
In modelling the vague concept like tall, through fuzzy sets, the numbers in the
closed set [0, 1] of reals may be used on the following lines:
(i) Definitely tall may be represented as tallness having value 1
(ii) Not at all tall may be represented as Tallness having value 0
other adjectives/adverbs may have values between 0 and 1 as follows:
(iii) A little bit tall may be represented as tallness having value say .2.
(iv) Slightly tall may be represented as tallness having value say .4.
(v) Reasonably tall may be represented as tallness having value say .7.
and so on.
Similarly, the values of other concepts or, rather, other linguistic variables like
sweet, good, beautiful, etc. may be considered in terms of real numbers between
0 and 1.
Coming back to the imprecise concept of tall, let us think of five male persons of an
organisation, viz., Mohan, Sohan, John, Abdul, Abrahm, with heights 5' 2, 6' 4,
5' 9, 4' 8, 5' 6 respectively.
Then had we talked only of crisp set of tall persons, we would have denoted the
Set of tall persons in the organisation = {Sohan}
But, a fuzzy set, representing tall persons, include all the persons alongwith
respective degrees of tallness. Thus, in terms of fuzzy sets, we write:
Tall = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7; Abdul/0; Abrahm/.4}.
The values .2, 1, .7, 0, .4
are called membership values or degrees:
Note: Those elements which have value 0 may be dropped e.g.

Tall may also be written as Tall = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7;, Abrahm/.4},
neglecting Abdul, with associated degree zero.
If we define short/Diminutive as exactly opposite of Tall we may say
Short = {Mohan/.8; Sohan/0; John/.3; Abdul/1; Abrahm/.6}
54
3.3 RELATIONS ON FUZZY SETS
Systems for
knowledge
In the case of Crisp sets, we have the concepts of Equality of sets, Subset of a set, and
Member of a set, as illustrated by the following examples:
(i)
Equality of two sets

Let
A = {1, 4, 3, 5}
B = {4, 1, 3, 5}
C = {1, 4, 2, 5}
be three given sets.
Then, Set A is equal to set B denoted by A = B. But A is not equal to C, denoted by
A C.
(ii)
Subset
Consider sets A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}
B = {4, 1, 3, 5}
C = {4, 8}
Then B is a subset of A, denoted by B A. Also C is not a subset of A, denoted by
C A.
(iii)
Belongs to/is a member of
If A = {1, 4, 3, 5}
Then each of 1, 4, 3 and 5 is called an element or member of A and the fact that 1 is a
member of A is denoted by 1 A.
Corresponding Definitions/ concepts for Fuzzy Sets
In order to define for fuzzy sets, the concepts corresponding to the concepts of
Equality of Sets, Subset and Membership of a Set considered so far only for crisp sets,
first we illustrate the concepts through an example:
Let X be the set on which fuzzy sets are to be defined, e.g.,
X = {Mohan, Sohan, John, Abdul, Abrahm}.
Then X is called the Universal Set.
Note: In every fuzzy set, all the elements of X with their corresponding memberships
values from 0 to 1, appear.
(i) Degree of Membership: In respect of fuzzy sets, we do not speak of just
membership, but speak of degree of membership.
In the set
A = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7; Abrahm/.4},
Degree (Mohan) = .2, degree (John) =.4
For (ii) Equality of Fuzzy sets: Let A, B and C be fuzzy sets defined on X as
follows:
Let A = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7; Abrahm/.4}
B = {Abrahm/.4, Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7}.
Then, as degrees of each element in the two sets, equal; we say fuzzy set A equals
fuzzy set B, denoted as A = B
However, if C = {Abrahm/.2, Mohan/.4; Sohan/1; John/.7}, then
A C.
55
(iii) Subset/Superset
Intuitively, we know
(i) The Set of Very Tall people should be a subset of the set of Tall
people.
(ii) If the degree of tallness of a person is say .5 then degree of Very
Tallness for the person should be lesser say .3.
Combining the above two ideas we, may say that if
A = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7; Abrahm/.4} and
B = {Mohan/.2, Sohan/.9, John/.6, Abraham/.4}and further,
C = {Mohan/.3, Sohan/.9, John/.5, Abraham/.4},
then, in view of the fact that for each element, degree in A is greater than or equal to
degree in B, B is a subset of A denoted as B A.
However, degree (Mohan) = .3 in C and degree (Mohan) =.2 in A,
,therefore, C is not a subset of A.
On the other hand degree (John) = .5 in C and degree (John) = .7 in A,
therefore, A is also not a subset of C.
We generalize the ideas illustrated through examples above
Let A and B be fuzzy sets on the universal set
X = {x1, x2, , xn}
(X is called the Universe or Universal set)
s.t.
A = {x1/v1, x2/v2, ., xn/vn}
and
B = {x1/w1, x2/w2, ., xn/wn}
with that 0 vi , wi 1.
Then fuzzy set A equals fuzzy set B, denoted as A = B, if and only if
vi = wi for all i = 1,2,.,n.
Further if and w vi for all i.
then B is a fuzzy subset of A.
Example: Let X = {Mohan, Sohan, John, Abdul, Abrahm}
A = {Mohan/.2; Sohan/1; John/.7; Abrahm/.4}
B = {Mohan/.2, Sohan/.9, John/.6, Abraham/.4}
Then B is a fuzzy subset of A.
In respect of fuzzy sets vis--vis (crisp) sets, we may note that:
Corresponding to the concept of belongs to of (Crisp) set, we use the concept

of degree of membership for fuzzy sets.
It may be noted that every crisp set may be thought of as a Fuzzy Set, but not
conversely. For example, if Universal set is
X = {Mohan, Sohan, John, Abdul, Abrahm} and
A = set of those members of X who are at least graduates, say,
= {Mohan, John, Abdul}
then we can rewrite A as a fuzzy set as follows:
A = {Mohan/1; Sohan/0; John/1; Abdul/1; Abrahm/0}, in which degree of each
member of the crisp set, is taken as one and degree of each element of the universal
set which does not appear in the set A, is taken as zero.
56
However, conversely, a fuzzy set may not be written as a crisp set. Let C be a fuzzy
set denoting Educated People, where degree of education is defined as follows:
degree of education (Ph.D. holders) = 1
degree of education (Masters degree holders) = 0.85
degree of education (Bachelors degree holders) = .6
degree of education (10 + 2 level) = 0.4
degree of education (8th Standard) = 0.1
degree of education (less than 8th) = 0.
Let us C = {Mohan/.85; Sohan/.4; John/.6; Abdul/1; Abrahm/0}.
Systems for
knowledge
Then, we cannot think of C as a crisp set.

Next, we define some more concepts in respect of fuzzy sets.
Definition: Support set of a Fuzzy Set, say C, is a crisp set, say D, containing all the
elements of the universe X for which degree of membership in Fuzzy set is positive.
Let us consider again
C = {Mohan/.85; Sohan/.4; John/.6; Abdul/1; Abrahm/0}.
Support of C = D = {Mohan, Sohan, John, Abdul}, where the element
Abrahm does not belong to D, because, it has degree 0 in C.
Definition: Fuzzy Singleton is a fuzzy set in which there is exactly one element
which has positive membership value.
Example:
Let us define a fuzzy set OLD on universal set X in which degree of OLD is zero if a
person in X is below 20 years and Degree of Old is .2 if a person is between 20 and 25
years and further suppose that
Old = C = {Mohan/0; Sohan/0; John/.2; Abdul/0; Abrahm/0},
then support of old = {John} and hence old is a fuzzy singleton.
Ex. 1: Discuss equality and subset relationship for the following fuzzy sets defined on
the Universal set X = { a, b , c, d, e}
A = { a/.3, b/.6, c/.4 d/0, e/.7}
B = {a/.4, b/.8, c/.9, d/.4, e/.7}
C = {a/.3, b/.7, c/.3, d/.2, e/.6}
3.4 OPERATIONS ON FUZZY SETS

For Crisp sets, we have the operations of Union, intersection and
complementation, as illustrated by the example:
Let X = {x1, x2, , x10}
A = {x2, x3, x4, x5}
B = {x1, x3, x5, x7, x9}
Then A B = {x1, x2, x3, x4, x5, x7, x9}
A B = {x3, x5}
A' or X ~ A = {x1, x6, x7, x8, x9, x10}
The concepts of Union, intersection and complementation for crisp sets may be
extended to FUZZY sets after observing that for crisp sets A and B, we have
57
(i) A B is the smallest subset of X containing both A and B.

(ii) A B is the largest subset of X contained in both A and B.
(iii) The complement A' is such that
(a) A and A' do not have any element in common and
(b) Every element of the universal set is in either A or A'.
Fuzzy Union, Intersection, Complementation:
In order to motivate proper definitions of these operations, we may recall
(1) when a crisp set is treated as a fuzzy set then
(i) membership in a crisp set is indicated by degree/value of membership as 1 (one) in
the corresponding Fuzzy set,
(ii) non-membership of a crisp set is indicated by degree/value of membership as zero
in the corresponding Fuzzy Set.
Thus, smaller the value of degree of membership, a sort of lesser it is a member of
the Fuzzy set.
(2) While taking union of Crisp sets, members of both sets are included, and none
else. However, in each Fuzzy set, all members of the universal set occur but their
degrees determine the level of membership in the fuzzy set.
The facts under (1) and (2) above, lead us to define:
The Union of two fuzzy sets A and B, is the set C with the same universe as that of A
and B such that, the degree of an element of C is equal to the MAXIMUM of degrees
of the element, in the two fuzzy sets.
(if Universe A Universe B, then take Universe C as the union of the universe A and
universe B)
The Intersection C of two fuzzy sets A and B is the fuzzy set in which, the degree
of an element of C is equal to the MINIMUM of degrees in the two fuzzy sets.
Example:
A = {Mohan/.85; Sohan/.4; John/.6; Abdul/1; Abrahm/0}
B = {Mohan/.75; Sohan/.6; John/0; Abdul/.8; Abrahm/.3}
Then
A B = {Mohan/.85; Sohan/.6; John/.6; Abdul/1; Abrahm /.3}
A B = {Mohan/.75; Sohan/.4; John/0; Abdul/.8; Abrahm/0}
and, the complement of A denoted by A is given by
C = {Mohan/.15; Sohan/.6; John/.4; Abdul/0; Abrahm /1}
Properties of Union, Intersection and Complement of Fuzzy Sets:
The following properties which hold for ordinary sets, also, hold for fuzzy sets
Commutativity
(i) A B = B A
(ii) A B = B A
58
We prove only (i) above just to explain, how the involved equalities, may be proved in
general.
Let U = {x1, x2..xn}. be universe for fuzzy sets A and B

If y A B, then y is of the form {xi/di} for some i
y A B y = {xi/ei} as member of A and
y = (xi/fi} as member of B and
di = max {ei, fi} = max {fi, ei}
y B A.
Systems for
knowledge
Rest of the properties are stated without proof.

Associativity
(i) (A B ) C = A (B C)
(ii) (A B ) C = A (B C)
Distributivity
(i) A (B C) = (A B) (A C)
(ii) A (B C) = (A B) (A C)
DeMorgans Laws
(A B)' = A' B'
(A B)' = A' B'
Involution or Double Complement
(A')' = A
Idempotence
AA=A
AA=A
Identity
AU =U AU=A
A =A A=
where
: empty fuzzy set = {x/0 with xU}
and
U: universe = {x/1 with xU}
Ex. 2: For the following fuzzy sets
A = {a/.5, b/.6, c/.3, d/0, e/.9} and
B = { a/.3, b/.7, c/.6, d/.3, e/.6},
find the fuzzy sets A B, A B and (A B)'
3.5 OPERATIONS UNIQUE TO FUZZY SETS

Next, we discuss three operations, viz., concentration, dilation and normalization, that
are relevant only to fuzzy sets and can not be discussed for (crisp) sets.
(1) Concentration of a set A is defined as
CON (A) = {x/m2A(x)|xU}
Example:
If A = {Mohan/.5; Sohan/.9; John/.7; Abdul/0; Abrahm/.2}
then
CON (A) = {Mohan/.25; Sohan/.81; John/.49; Abdul/0; Abrahm/.04}.
59
In respect of concentration, it may be noted that the associated values being between 0
and 1, on squaring, become smaller. In other words, the values concentrate towards
zero. This fact may be used for giving increased emphasis on a concept. If Brightness
of articles is being discussed, then Very bright may be obtained in terms of
CON. (Bright).
(2) Dilation (Opposite of Concentration) of a fuzzy set A is defined as
DIL (A) = {x/ m A ( x)|x U }
Example:
then
DIL (A) = {Mohan/.7; Sohan/.95; John/.84; Abdul/0; Abrahm/.45}
The associated values, that are between 0 and 1, on taking square-root get increased,
e.g., if the value associated with x was .01 before dilation, then the value associated
with x after dilation becomes .1, i.e., ten times of the original value.
This fact may be used for decreased emphasis. For example, if colour say yellow has
been considered already, then light yellow may be considered in terms of already
discussed yellow through Dilation.
(3) Normalization of a fuzzy set, is defined as
m ( x)
NORM ( A) = x / A | x U .
Max
NORM (A) and is a fuzzy set in which membership values are obtained by dividing
values of the membership function of A by the maximum membership function.
The resulting fuzzy set, called the normal, (or normalized) fuzzy set, has the
maximum of membership function value of 1.
Example:
Norm (A) = {Mohan/(.5 .9 = .55.); Sohan/1; John /(.7 .9 = .77.); Abdul/0;
Abrahm/(.2 .9 = .22.)}
Note: If one of the members has value 1, then Norm (A) = A,
Relation & Fuzzy Relation
We know from our earlier background in Mathematics that a relation from a set A to a
set B is a subset of A x B.
For example, The relation of father may be written as {{Dasrath, Ram), }, which is
a subset of A B, where A and B are sets of persons living or dead.
The relation of Age may be written as
{(Mohan, 43.7), (Sohan, 25.6), },
where A is set of living persons and B is set of numbers denoting years.
Fuzzy Relation
60
In fuzzy sets, every element of the universal set occurs with some degree of
membership. A fuzzy relation may be defined in different ways. One way of
defining fuzzy relation is to assume the underlying sets as crisp sets. We will discuss
only this case.
Systems for
knowledge
Thus, a relation from A to B, where we assume A and B as crisp sets, is a fuzzy

set, in which with each element of A B is associated a degree of membership
between zero and one.
For example:
We may define the relation of UNCLE as follows:
(i)
x is an UNCLE of y with degree 1 if x is brother of mother or father,
(ii) x is an UNCLE of y with degree .7 if x is a brother of an UNCLE of y, and x is
not covered above,
(iii) x is an UNCLE of y with degree .6 if x is the son of an UNCLE of mother or
father.
Now suppose
Ram is UNCLE of Mohan with degree 1, Majid is UNCLE of Abdul with degree .7
and Peter is UNCLE of John with degree .7. Ram is UNCLE of John with degree.4
Then the relation of UNCLE can be written as a set of ordered-triples as follows:
{(Ram, Mohan, 1), (Majid, Abdul, .7), (Peter, John, .7), (Ram, John, .4)}.
As in the case of ordinary relations, we can use matrices and graphs to represent
FUZZY relations, e.g., the relation of UNCLE discussed above, may be graphically
denoted as
1
Ram
.4
Majid
Peter
Mohan
.7
John
.7
Abdul
Fuzzy Graph
Fuzzy Reasoning
In the rest of this section, we just have a fleeting glance on Fuzzy Reasoning.
Let us recall the well-known Crisp Reasoning Operators
(i) AND
(ii) OR
(iii) NOT
(iv) IF P THEN Q
(v) P IF AND ONLY IF Q
Corresponding to each of these operators, there is a fuzzy operator discussed and
defined below. For this purpose, we assume that P and Q are fuzzy propositions with
associated degrees, respectively, deg (P) and deg (Q) between 0 and 1.
The deg (P) = 0 denotes P is False and deg (P) =1 denotes P is True.
Then the operators are defined as follows:
61
(i) Fuzzy AND to be denoted by , is defined as follows:

For given fuzzy propositions P and Q, the expression P Q denotes a fuzzy
proposition with Deg (P Q) = min (deg (P), deg (Q))
Example: Let P: Mohan is tall with deg (P) = .7
Q: Mohan is educated with deg (Q) = .4
Then P Q denotes: Mohan is tall and educated with degree ((min) {.7, .4}) = .4
(ii) Fuzzy OR to be denoted by , is defined as follows:
For given fuzzy propositions P and Q, P Q is a fuzzy proposition with
Deg (P Q) = max (deg (P), deg (Q))
Example: Let P: Mohan is tall with deg (P) = .7
Q: Mohan is educated with deg (Q) = .4
Then P Q denotes: Mohan is tall or educated with degree ((max) {.7, .4}) = .7
3.6 NON-MONOTOMIC REASONING SYSTEMS

Monotonic Reasoning: The conclusion drawn in PL and FOPL are only through
(valid) deductive methods. When some axiom is added to a PL or an FOPL system,
then, through deduction, we can draw more conclusions. Hence, more additional facts
become available in the knowledge base with the addition of each axiom. Adding of
axioms to the knowledge base increases the amount of knowledge contained in the
knowledge base. Therefore, the set of facts through inferences in such systems can
only grow larger with addition of each axiomatic fact. Adding of new facts can not
reduce the size of K.B. Thus, amount of knowledge monotonically increases with the
number of independent premises due to new facts that become available.
However, in everyday life, many times in the light of new facts that become available,
we may have to revise our earlier knowledge. For example, we consider a sort of
deductive argument in FOPL:
(i)
Every bird can fly long distances
(ii) Every pigeon is a bird. (iii) Tweety is a pigeon.
Therefore, Tweety can fly long distances.
However, later on, we come to know that Tweety is actually a hen and a hen cannot
fly long distances. Therefore, we have to revise our belief that Tweety can fly over
long distances.
This type of situation is not handled by any monotonic reasoning system including PL
and FOPL .This is appropriately handled by Non-Monotomic Reasoning Systems,
which are discussed next.
A non-monotomic reasoning system is one which allows retracting of old
knowledge due to discovery of new facts which contradict or invalidate a part of the
current knowledge base. Such systems also take care that retracting of a fact may
necessitate a chain of retractions from the knowledge base or even reintroduction of
earlier retracted ones from K.B. Thus, chain-shrink and chain emphasis of a K.B and
reintroduction of earlier retracted ones are part of a non-monotomic reasoning
system.
62
To meet the requirement for reasoning in the real-world, we need non-monotomic

reasoning systems also, in addition to the monotomic ones. This is true specially, in
view of the fact that it is not reasonable to expect that all the knowledge needed for a
set of tasks could be acquired, validated, and loaded into the system just at the outset.
In general, initial knowledge is an incomplete set of partially true facts. The set may
also be redundant and may contain inconsistencies and other sources of uncertainty.
Systems for
knowledge
Major components of a Non-Monotomic reasoning system

Next, we discuss a typical non-monotomic reasoning system (NMRS) consists of the
following three major components:
(1) Knowledge base (KB),
(2) Inference Engine (IE),
(3) Truth-Maintenance System (TMS).
The KB contains information, facts, rules, procedures etc. relevant to the type of
problems that are expected to be solved by the system. The component IE of NMRS
gets facts from KB to draw new inferences and sends the new facts discovered by it
(i.e., IE) to KB. The component TMS, after addition of new facts to KB. either from
the environment or through the user or through IE, checks for validity of the KB. It
may happen that the new fact from the environment or inferred by the IE may
conflict/contradict some of the facts already in the KB. In other words, an
inconsistency may arise. In case of inconsistencies, TMS retracts some facts from
KB. Also, it may lead to a chain of retractions which may require interactions
between KB and TMS. Also, some new fact either from the environment or from IE,
may invalidate some earlier retractions requiring reintroduction of earlier retracted
facts. This may lead to a chain of reintroductions. These retrievals and introductions
are taken care of by TMS. The IE is completely relieved of this responsibility. Main
job of IE is to conclude new facts when it is supplied a set of facts.
IEIE
TMS
KB
Next, We explain the ideas discussed above through an example:

Let us assume KB has two facts P and ~ Q ~ P and a rule called Modus Tollens.
When IE is supplied these knowledge items, it concludes Q and sends Q to KB.
However, through interaction with the environment, KB is later supplied with the
information that ~ P is more appropriate than P. Then TMS, on the addition of ~ P to
KB, finds that KB is no more consistent, at least, with P. The knowledge that ~ P is
more appropriate, suggests that P be retracted. Further Q was concluded assuming P
as True. But, in the new situation in which P is assumed to be not appropriate, Q also
becomes inappropriate. P and Q are not deleted from KB, but are just marked as
dormant or ineffective. This is done in view of the fact that later on, if again, it is
found appropriate to include P or Q or both, then, instead of requiring some
mechanism for adding P and Q, we just remove marks that made these dormant.
Non-monotomic Reasoning Systems deal with
63
1)
Revisable belief systems
2)
incomplete K.B.
Default Reasoning
Closed World assumption
3.7 DEFAULT REASONING SYSTEMS

In the previous section, we discussed uncertainty due to beliefs (which are not
necessarily facts) where beliefs are changeable. Here, we discuss another form of
uncertainty that occur as a result of incompleteness of the available knowledge at a
particular point of time.
One method of handling uncertainty due to incomplete KB is through default
reasoning which is also a form of non-monotomic reasoning and is based on the
following mechanism:
Whenever, for any entity relevant to the application, information is not in the KB, then
a default value for that type of entity, is assumed and is assigned to the entity. The
default assignment is not arbitrary but is based on experiments, observations or some
other rational grounds. However, the typical value for the entity is removed if some
information contradictory to the assumed or default value becomes available.
The advantage of this type of a reasoning system is that we need not store all facts
regarding a situation. Reiter has given one theory of default reasoning, which is
expressed as
a ( x ) : M b1 ( x ),....., Mb k ( x )
C( x )
(A)
where M is a consistency operator.

The inference rule (A) states that if a(x) is true and none of the conditions bk (x) is in
conflict or contradiction with the K.B, then you can deduce the statement C(x)
The idea of default reasoning is explained through the following example:
Suppose we have
(i)
Bird ( x ) : Mfly ( x )
Fly ( x )
(ii)
Bird (twitty)
M fly (x) stands for a statement of the form KB does not have any statement of the
form that says x does not have wings etc, because of which x may not be able to fly.
In other words, Bird (x) : M fly (x) may be taken to stand for the statement if x is a
normal bird and if the normality of x is not contradicted by other facts and rules in the
KB. then we can assume that x can fly. Combining with Bird (Twitty), we conclude
that if KB does not have any facts and rules from which, it can be inferred that Twitty
can not fly, then, we can conclude that twitty can fly.
Further, suppose, KB also contains
(i) Ostrich (twitty)
64
(ii) Ostrich (x) ~ FLY (x).

From these two facts in the K.B., it is concluded that Twitty being an ostrich, can not
fly. In the light of this knowledge the fact that Twitty can fly has to be withdrawn.
Thus, Fly (twitty) would be locked. Because, default Mfly (Twitty) is now
inconsistent.
Systems for
knowledge
Let us consider another example:
Adult( x ) : M drive ( x )
Drive ( x )
The above can be interpreted in the default theory as:
If a person x is an adult and in the knowledge base there is no fact (e.g., x is blind, or
x has both of his/her hands cut in an accident etc) which tells us something making x
incapable of driving, then x can drive, is assumed.
3.8 CLOSED WORLD ASSUMPTION SYSTEMS

Another mechanism of handling incompleteness of a KB is called Closed World
Assumption (CWA).
This mechanism is useful in applications where most of the facts are known and
therefore it is reasonable to assume that if a proposition cannot be proved, then it is
FALSE. This is called CWA with failure as negation.
This means if a ground atom P(a) is not provable, then assume ~ P(a). A predicate like
LESS (x, y) becomes a ground atom when the variables x and y are replaced by
constants say x by 2 and y by 3, so that we get the ground atom LESS (2, 3).
Example of an application where CWA is reasonable is that of Airline reservation
where city-to-city flight not explicitly entered in the flight schedule or time table, are
assumed not to exist.
AKB is complete if for each ground atom P(a); either P(a) or ~ P(a) can be proved.
By the use of CWA any incomplete KB becomes complete by the addition of the
meta rule:
If P(a) can not be proved then assume ~ P (a).
Example of an incomplete K.B: Let our KB contain only
(i) P(a).
(ii) P(b).
(iii) P(a) Q(a).
(iv) Rule of Modus Ponens: From P and P Q, conclude Q.
The above KB is incomplete as we can not say anything about Q(b) (or ~ Q(b)) from
the given KB.
Remarks: In general, KB argumented by CWA need not be consistent i.e.,
it may contain two mutually conflicting wffs. For example, if our KB contains
only P(a) Q(b).
65
(Note: from P (a) Q (b), we can not conclude either of P (a) and Q (b) with
definiteness)
As neither P(a) nor Q(b) is provable, therefore, we add ~ P(a) and ~ Q(b) by using
CWA.
But, then, the set of P(a) Q(b), ~ P(a) and ~Q(b) is inconsistent.
3.9 OTHER NON-DEDUCTIVE SYSTEMS

PL and FOPL are deductive inferencing systems: i.e., the conclusions drawn are
invariably true whenever the premises are true. However, due to limitations of these
systems for making inferences, as discussed earlier, we must have other systems
inferences. In addition to Default Reasoning systems and Closed World Assumption
systems, we have the following useful reasoning systems:
1) Abductive inference System, which is based on the use of causal knowledge to
explain and justify a (possibly invalid) conclusion.
Abduction Rule
PQ
Q
P
Note that abductive inference rule is different form Modus Ponens inference rule in
that in abductive inference rule, the consequent of P Q, i.e., Q is assumed to be
given as True and the antecedent of P Q, i.e., P is inferred.
The abductive inference is useful in diagnostic applications. For example while
diagnosing a disease (say P), the doctor asks for the symptoms (say Q). Also, the
doctor knows that for given the disease, say, Malaria (P); the symptoms include high
fever starting with feeling of cold etc. (Q)
i.e., doctor knows PQ
The doctor then attempts to diagnose the disease (i.e., P) from symptoms. However, it
should be noted that the conclusion of the disease from the symptoms may not always
be correct. In general, abductive reasoning leads to correct conclusions, but the
conclusions may be incorrect also. In other words, Abductive reasoning is not a valid
form of reasoning.
Inductive Reasoning is a method of generalisation from a finite number of instances.
The rule, generally, denoted as
P(a1 ), P ( a2 ) ......, P ( an )
,
( x) P ( x)
states that from n instances P(ai) of a predicate/property P(x), we infer that P(x) is
True for all x.
66
Thus, from a finite number of observations about some property of objects, we

generalize, i.e., make a general statement about all the elements of the domain in
respect of the property.
For example, we may, conclude that: all cows are white, after observing a large
number of white cows. However, this conclusion may have some exception in the
sense that we may come across a black cow also. Inductive Reasoning like Abductive
Reasoning, Closed World Assumption Reasoning and Default Reasoning is not
irrefutable. In other words, these reasoning rules lead to conclusions, which may be
True, but not necessarily always.
Systems for
knowledge
However, all the rules discussed under Propositional Logic (PL) and FOPL, including
Modus Ponens etc are deductive i.e., lead to irrefutable conclusions.
3.10 SUMMARY
In this unit, we briefly discussed some formal systems which take care of at least one
of the blemishes in the knowledge base, namely, of inconsistency, imprecision and
incompleteness of the knowledge base. In Sections 4.2 to 4.5, we discuss Fuzzy
systems, which attempt to handle imprecision due to use of words, having multiple
meanings, of a natural language. The words appear in the description of the problems
to be solved by man-machine systems.
In Section 4.6, we briefly discuss non-monotonic (formal) systems, which mainly deal
with problems involving beliefs, in stead of facts. A belief may be revised by the
believer, when strong evidence becomes available for the revision of the belief.
In Sections 4.7 and 4.8, we discuss two formal systems which attempt to deal with
incompleteness of the available knowledge of the problem domain. Default reasoning
systems discussed in Section 4.7, attempt to handle the problem of incompleteness of
knowledge, through assumption of default values for the missing values. The default
values may be withdrawn, in case some knowledge contrary to the default values,
becomes available.
On the other hand, another formal system, viz., closed world assumption system
discussed in Section 4.8, assume that, if the truth of a statement is not available in the
knowledge base, then assume the statement false. Finally, in Section 4.9, we discuss
some inference rules, namely, abductive and inductive rules, which though are not
deductive, yet prove quite useful in everyday problems, particularly, in diagnostic
problems.
Ex. 1: Both A and C are subsets of the fuzzy set B, because deg (x min A ) deg (x
in B) for all x X
Similarly degree (x in C) degree (x in B) for all x X
Further, A is not a subset of C, because,
deg (c in A) = .4 > .3 = degree (c in C)
Also, C is not a subset of A, because,
degree (b in C) = .7 > .6 = degree (b in A)
Ex. 2: A B = {a/.3, b/.6, c/.3, d/0, e/.6},
where degree (x in A B) = min { degree (x in A), degree (x in B)}.
A B = {a/.5, b/.7, c/.6, d/.3, e/.9},
where degree (x in A B) = max {degree (x in A), degree (x in B)}.
The fuzzy set (A B) is obtained from A B, by the rule:
67
degree (x in (A B) ) = 1 degree (x in A B).

Hence
(A B) = { a/.7, b/.4, c/.7, d/1, e/.4}

1.
2.
3.
68
Munikata, Toshinori Chapter 5 of Fundamentals of the New Artificial

Intelligence: Beyond Traditional Paradigm (springer, 1998).
Nguyen, H.T. Walker E.A. A First Course in Fuzzy Logic (CRC Press, 1997)
Patterson, D.W. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Expert
Systems(Prentice-Hall of India, 2001)

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UNIT 1

THE FIRST-ORDER PREDICATE

In addition to the baggage of concepts of propositional logic, FOPL has the

The First Order

1.2 SYNTAX OF FOPL

Individual symbols or constant symbols: These are usually names of objects,

Variable symbols: These are usually lowercase unsubscripted or subscripted

Predicate symbols: These are usually uppercase letters like P, Q, R,.or

A function symbol or predicate symbol takes a fixed number of arguments. If a

two-place predicate symbols. However, father-of in father_of (x, y) is a, two place

The First Order

Before discussion of these concepts, we should know the difference between a

Replacing a bound variable x by another variable y under the restrictions mentioned

The First Order

P(a) ~ ((x) P(x)) is consistent.

1.3 PRENEX NORMAL FORM

The First Order

The First Order

Step 2: Taking ~ inner most, we get

1.4 (SKOLEM) STANDARD FORM

Dropping x because there is no x appearing in (y) P(c,y)

Thus, (Skolem) Standard Form becomes

Ex 5. Obtain a (skolem) standard form for each of the following formula:

The First Order

1.5 APPLICATIONS OF FOPL

Find a standard form for the following formula:

Again taking ~ inside, we get

Next, syntax of proper structure of a formula of FOPL is discussed. In this respect, a

The First Order

(as z and u do not occur in the rest of

The First Order

The problem can be symbolized as follows:

We use the resolution method to show these clauses as unsatisfiable.

Ex : 11 Let us use the symbols:

from (i) to standard

Resolving (v) and (vii), we get

When symbolized, the known facts become:

The First Order

(i) (x) (E(x) ~ V(x) (y) (S(x, y) C(y)))

1.8 FURTHER READINGS

UNIT 2 DEDUCTIVE INFERENCE RULES

2.2 BASIC INFERENCE RULES AND

(The comma is read as and. The rule may also be written as

and using syllogism on (v) and (vi) we get

Therefore the statements in the given arguments are symbolically represented as :

2.3 BASIC INFERENCING RULES AND

P(a ), for all a

P(a), for all a

is that the conclusion to be drawn in FOPL is not generally a formula of PL but a

to conclude ( ( F (b) G (b) H (c ) )

F (a) G (a) by applying E.I. to

(ii) To conclude F ( a ) ( G ( a ) H ( a ) ) from

Therefore, (i), (ii) and (iii) can be symbolized as:

(x) (R(x) (H(x)S(x)))

Hence, (iii) is concluded.

Example: Let us symbolize the statement in the given argument as follows:

The statements of the argument may be translated as:

Using Universal Instantiation, on (vi), we get

No feeling of pain is publically observable