A Computational Logic

ACM Monograph Series: A Computational Logic focuses on the use of induction in proving theorems, including the use of lemmas and axioms, free variables, equalities, and generalization. The publication first elaborates on a sketch of the theory and two simple examples, a precise definition of the theory, and correctness of a tautology-checker. Topics include mechanical proofs, informal development, formal specification of the problem, well-founded relations, natural numbers, and literal atoms. The book then examines the use of type information to simplify formulas, use of axioms and lemmas as rewrite rules, and the use of definitions. Topics include nonrecursive functions, computing values, free variables in hypothesis, infinite backwards chaining, infinite looping, computing type sets, and type prescriptions. The manuscript takes a look at rewriting terms and simplifying clauses, eliminating destructors and irrelevance, using equalities, and generalization. Concerns include reasons for eliminating isolated hypotheses, precise statement of the generalization heuristic, restricting generalizations, precise use of equalities, and multiple destructors and infinite looping. The publication is a vital source of data for researchers interested in computational logic.

Perspectives in Computing: A Computational Logic Handbook contains a precise description of the logic and a detailed reference guide to the associated mechanical theorem proving system, including a primer for the logic as a functional programming language, an introduction to proofs in the logic, and a primer for the mechanical theorem. The publication first offers information on a primer for the logic, formalization within the logic, and a precise description of the logic. Discussions focus on induction and recursion, quantification, explicit value terms, dealing with features and omissions, elementary mathematical relationships, Boolean operators, and conventional data structures. The text then takes a look at proving theorems in the logic, mechanized proofs in the logic, and an introduction to the system. The text examines the processes involved in using the theorem prover, four classes of rules generated from lemmas, and aborting or interrupting commands. Topics include executable counterparts, toggle, elimination of irrelevancy, heuristic use of equalities, representation of formulas, type sets, and the crucial check points in a proof attempt. The publication is a vital reference for researchers interested in computational logic.

This must-read text presents the pioneering work of the late Professor Jacob (Jack) T. Schwartz on computational logic and set theory and its application to proof verification techniques, culminating in the ÆtnaNova system, a prototype computer program designed to verify the correctness of mathematical proofs presented in the language of set theory. Topics and features: describes in depth how a specific first-order theory can be exploited to model and carry out reasoning in branches of computer science and mathematics; presents an unique system for automated proof verification in large-scale software systems; integrates important proof-engineering issues, reflecting the goals of large-scale verifiers; includes an appendix showing formalized proofs of ordinals, of various properties of the transitive closure operation, of finite and transfinite induction principles, and of Zorn’s lemma.

Handbook of the History of Logic brings to the development of logic the best in modern techniques of historical and interpretative scholarship. Computational logic was born in the twentieth century and evolved in close symbiosis with the advent of the first electronic computers and the growing importance of computer science, informatics and artificial intelligence. With more than ten thousand people working in research and development of logic and logic-related methods, with several dozen international conferences and several times as many workshops addressing the growing richness and diversity of the field, and with the foundational role and importance these methods now assume in mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, linguistics, law and many engineering fields where logic-related techniques are used inter alia to state and settle correctness issues, the field has diversified in ways that even the pure logicians working in the early decades of the twentieth century could have hardly anticipated. Logical calculi, which capture an important aspect of human thought, are now amenable to investigation with mathematical rigour and computational support and fertilized the early dreams of mechanised reasoning: “Calculemus . The Dartmouth Conference in 1956 – generally considered as the birthplace of artificial intelligence – raised explicitly the hopes for the new possibilities that the advent of electronic computing machinery offered: logical statements could now be executed on a machine with all the far-reaching consequences that ultimately led to logic programming, deduction systems for mathematics and engineering, logical design and verification of computer software and hardware, deductive databases and software synthesis as well as logical techniques for analysis in the field of mechanical engineering. This volume covers some of the main subareas of computational logic and its applications. Chapters by leading authorities in the field Provides a forum where philosophers and scientists interact Comprehensive reference source on the history of logic

Originally published in 1995 Time and Logic examines understanding and application of temporal logic, presented in computational terms. The emphasis in the book is on presenting a broad range of approaches to computational applications. The techniques used will also be applicable in many cases to formalisms beyond temporal logic alone, and it is hoped that adaptation to many different logics of program will be facilitated. Throughout, the authors have kept implementation-orientated solutions in mind. The book begins with an introduction to the basic ideas of temporal logic. Successive chapters examine particular aspects of the temporal theoretical computing domain, relating their applications to familiar areas of research, such as stochastic process theory, automata theory, established proof systems, model checking, relational logic and classical predicate logic. This is an essential addition to the library of all theoretical computer scientists. It is an authoritative work which will meet the needs both of those familiar with the field and newcomers to it.

"The practical benefits of computational logic need not be limited to mathematics and computing. As this book shows, ordinary people in their everyday lives can profit from the recent advances that have been developed for artificial intelligence. The book draws upon related developments in various fields from philosophy to psychology and law. It pays special attention to the integration of logic with decision theory, and the use of logic to improve the clarity and coherence of communication in natural languages such as English. This book is essential reading for teachers and researchers who may be out of touch with the latest developments in computational logic. It will also be useful in any undergraduate course that teaches practical thinking, problem solving or communication skills. Its informal presentation makes the book accessible to readers from any background, but optional, more formal, chapters are also included for those who are more technically oriented"--

The book contains the proceedings of the 12th European Testis Workshop and gives an excellent overview of the state of the art in testicular research. The chapters are written by leading scientists in the field of male reproduction, who were selceted on the basis of their specific area of research. The book covers all important aspects of testicular functioning, for example, Sertoli and Leydig cell functioning, spermatogonial development and transplantation, meiosis and spermiogenesis. Even for those investigators who were not present at the workshop, this volume provides a clear impression of the topics discussed during that meeting.

Advocates of computers make sweeping claims for their inherently transformative power: new and different from previous technologies, they are sure to resolve many of our existing social problems, and perhaps even to cause a positive political revolution. In The Cultural Logic of Computation, David Golumbia, who worked as a software designer for more than ten years, confronts this orthodoxy, arguing instead that computers are cultural “all the way down”—that there is no part of the apparent technological transformation that is not shaped by historical and cultural processes, or that escapes existing cultural politics. From the perspective of transnational corporations and governments, computers benefit existing power much more fully than they provide means to distribute or contest it. Despite this, our thinking about computers has developed into a nearly invisible ideology Golumbia dubs “computationalism”—an ideology that informs our thinking not just about computers, but about economic and social trends as sweeping as globalization. Driven by a programmer’s knowledge of computers as well as by a deep engagement with contemporary literary and cultural studies and poststructuralist theory, The Cultural Logic of Computation provides a needed corrective to the uncritical enthusiasm for computers common today in many parts of our culture.