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Content archived on 2024-04-16

Computational Logic

Objective

This Action aimed to develop the foundations of an integrated logic-based software environment for developing knowledge-rich applications. Such an environment should include a language suitable for databases, programming and problem-solving together with logic-based tools for incremental development (including integrity checking and program transformation), as well as for assembling new knowledge bases from existing ones.
A range of logic based computer languages and associated development tools were developed. The lanuages extend logic programming by incorporating features from computer algebra, deductive databases, artificial intelligence and mathematical logic. The development tools include integrity checking, belief revision, metaprogramming, and program transformation.

Progress has been made in the following areas:
language extensions (several numerical problems previously unsolved by computer algebra techniques alone have been solved by Prolog III, and several previously open complexity problems have been solved for structured typed languages);
knowledge assimilation (previously disconnected methods for view updates, belief revision, default reasoning and abduction have been shown to be closely connected and logic programs have been extended to include both explicit and implicit negation);
metalevel reasoning (the first steps have been taken to clarify the semantics of different ways of combining object languages and metalanguages in logic programming and a programming language, Goedel, with declarative metaprogramming facilities has been defined);
program development, analysis and transformation (connections have been found between program transformation methods using specialisation of metainterpreters, compiling control, and proofs as programs).

A number of new research opportunities have also been identified involving the possiblity of developing object oriented deductive databases using the work on structured types. Links between theory construction techniques and the transformation of rules and exceptions into ordinary logic programs have been identified, as well as links between inductive proof methods used in proof plans and the methods used in program transformation and in program derivation by integrity checking.
APPROACH AND METHODS
To improve knowledge representation and problem-solving power, a number of extensions of logic programming were developed. These include the use of constraints, structured types, hypothetical reasoning, and meta-level reasoning.
The techniques of knowledge assimilation, meta-level reasoning and of program analysis and transformation are being advanced to improve the development and maintenance of programs, databases, and knowledge represented as extended logic programs.
PROGRESS AND RESULTS
Progress has been made in the following areas:
-Language extensions: several numerical problems previously unsolved by computer algebra techniques alone have been solved by Prolog III, and several previously open complexity problems have been solved for structured typed languages.
-Knowledge assimilation: previously disconnected methods for view updates, belief revision, default reasoning and abduction have been shown to be closely connected. Logic programs have been extended to include both explicit and implicit negation.
-Meta-level reasoning: the first steps have been taken to clarify the semantics of different ways of combining object languages and metalanguages in logic programming. A programming language, Gdel, with declarative metaprogramming facilities has been defined.
-Program development, analysis and transformation: connections have been found between program transformation methods using specialisation of meta-interpreters, compiling control, and proofs as programs.
A number of new research opportunities have also been identified. For example, the possibility of developing object-oriented deductive databases using the work on structured types is being investigated. Links between theory construction techniques and the transformation of rules and exceptions into ordinary logic programs have been identified, as well as links between inductive proof methods used in proof plans and the methods used in program transformation and in program derivation by integrity checking. POTENTIAL
COMPULOG is extending the logic programming paradigm using enhancements from computer algebra, database systems, artificial intelligence and mathematical logic. The outcome of the Action will lead to the development of an improved computer language combining programs, databases and knowledge representation. Plans have begun to integrate a number of different techniques within a unified framework, based upon a prototype of the Gdel language.

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IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
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Queens Gate 180
SW7 2BZ LONDON
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Last update: 5 April 2023

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/1667

European Union, 2024