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Characterizing and Extending Answer Set Semantics using Possibility Theory
Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a popular framework for modeling
combinatorial problems. However, ASP cannot easily be used for reasoning about
uncertain information. Possibilistic ASP (PASP) is an extension of ASP that
combines possibilistic logic and ASP. In PASP a weight is associated with each
rule, where this weight is interpreted as the certainty with which the
conclusion can be established when the body is known to hold. As such, it
allows us to model and reason about uncertain information in an intuitive way.
In this paper we present new semantics for PASP, in which rules are interpreted
as constraints on possibility distributions. Special models of these
constraints are then identified as possibilistic answer sets. In addition,
since ASP is a special case of PASP in which all the rules are entirely
certain, we obtain a new characterization of ASP in terms of constraints on
possibility distributions. This allows us to uncover a new form of disjunction,
called weak disjunction, that has not been previously considered in the
literature. In addition to introducing and motivating the semantics of weak
disjunction, we also pinpoint its computational complexity. In particular,
while the complexity of most reasoning tasks coincides with standard
disjunctive ASP, we find that brave reasoning for programs with weak
disjunctions is easier.Comment: 39 pages and 16 pages appendix with proofs. This article has been
accepted for publication in Theory and Practice of Logic Programming,
Copyright Cambridge University Pres
Estimations of expectedness and potential surprise in possibility theory
This note investigates how various ideas of 'expectedness' can be captured in the framework of possibility theory. Particularly, we are interested in trying to introduce estimates of the kind of lack of surprise expressed by people when saying 'I would not be surprised that...' before an event takes place, or by saying 'I knew it' after its realization. In possibility theory, a possibility distribution is supposed to model the relative levels of mutually exclusive alternatives in a set, or equivalently, the alternatives are assumed to be rank-ordered according to their level of possibility to take place. Four basic set-functions associated with a possibility distribution, including standard possibility and necessity measures, are discussed from the point of view of what they estimate when applied to potential events. Extensions of these estimates based on the notions of Q-projection or OWA operators are proposed when only significant parts of the possibility distribution are retained in the evaluation. The case of partially-known possibility distributions is also considered. Some potential applications are outlined
The Possibility of a Non-Lagrangian Theory of Gravity
General Relativity resembles a very elegant crystal glass: If we touch its
principles, that is, its Lagrangian, there is a risk of breaking everything.
Or, if we will, it is like a short blanket: Curing some problems creates new
problems. This paper is devoted to bring to light the reasons why we pursue the
possibility of a non-Lagrangian theory of gravity under the hypothesis of an
extension of the original general relativity with an ansatz inspired in the
fundamental principles of classical and quantum physics.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure. Version accepted in Universe MDP
The Possibility of Reconciling Quantum Mechanics with Classical Probability Theory
We describe a scheme for constructing quantum mechanics in which a quantum
system is considered as a collection of open classical subsystems. This allows
using the formal classical logic and classical probability theory in quantum
mechanics. Our approach nevertheless allows completely reproducing the standard
mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and identifying its applicability
limits. We especially attend to the quantum state reduction problem.Comment: Latex, 14 pages, 1 figur
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