PP-2009-47: Horror Contradictionis

PP-2009-47: van Benthem, Johan (2009) Horror Contradictionis. [Report]

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Abstract

Contradiction between sharp propositions is a major engine of progress
in logic, both in reasoning and in related tasks. And yet, in
communicative practice, we often try to avoid conflict, and logic also
has several strategies for 'defusing' contradictions. This paper
discusses some of these, including changes of arity for predicates,
relativization of domains, and retreat to weaker statements about
agents' beliefs. We note a few folklore facts about the reach of these
methods, and then relate the balance between accepting and defusing
contradictions to issues in belief revision and game theory. In doing
so, we place 'relativism' in a setting of information dynamics: an
optimal take on a contradiction depends on its success in facilitating
subsequent communication.

Item Type: Report
Report Nr: PP-2009-47
Series Name: Prepublication (PP) Series
Year: 2009
Uncontrolled Keywords: relativism, disagreement, logic, belief
Subjects: Logic
Depositing User: Johan van Benthem
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2016 14:37
Last Modified: 12 Oct 2016 14:37
URI: https://eprints.illc.uva.nl/id/eprint/376

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