A Protocol-theoretic Framework for the Logic of Epistemic Norms

This book develops a logical system called the Protocol-theoretic Logic of Epistemic Norms (PLEN) to represent and reason about epistemic norms. It argues that epistemic norms are closely intertwined with procedural rules that restrict epistemic actions, procedures, and processes. The book introduces a novel language of operators on protocols and interprets protocol expressions and expressions embedding protocols over directed multigraph-like structures. It applies the system to analyze epistemic deontic operators and establishes representation theorems linking protocols to the action-guiding content of epistemic norms. The theory of epistemic norms is based on notions of norm equivalence derived from process equivalence theories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 526 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book presents a comprehensive and intricate exploration of a logical system known as the Protocol-theoretic Logic of Epistemic Norms (PLEN). It delves into the development of PLEN into a formal framework for representing and reasoning about epistemic norms, demonstrating its theoretical significance and practical utility. To provide motivation for this project, the author presents an account of epistemic norms, known as epistemic proceduralism. Central to this view is the notion that epistemic norms, due to their crucial and regulatory role in cognitive life, are intricately linked with procedural rules that govern epistemic actions, procedures, and processes. This organizing principle permeates the entire book, highlighting that epistemic norms serve as protocols for epistemic planning and control.

The heart of the book revolves around the development of PLEN, which represents a novel variant of propositional dynamic logic (PDL). This system incorporates more or less elaborate revisions to PDL's syntax and semantics, aiming to enhance its capabilities in capturing the intricacies of epistemic norms. The syntax of PLEN employs the well-known protocol or program constructions from dynamic and epistemic logics to encode the procedural content of epistemic norms. It then introduces a novel language of operators on protocols, encompassing a range of unique protocol equivalence relations, syntactic operations on protocols, and various procedural relations in addition to the standard dynamic (modal) operators of PDL.

The semantics of PLEN interprets protocol expressions and expressions embedding protocols over a class of directed multigraph-like structures rather than the traditional labeled transition systems or modal frames. This choice of semantics allows for a more nuanced and accurate representation of epistemic dynamics, enabling the system to handle complex scenarios and reasoning about epistemic norms effectively.

The primary objective of PLEN is to improve the representation of epistemic dynamics, establish a logic of protocols on top of it, and subsequently demonstrate the usefulness of the resulting logic of protocols as a logical framework for various applications. By developing PLEN, the book aims to provide a comprehensive and rigorous framework for understanding and reasoning about epistemic norms, contributing to the field of epistemic logic and philosophy.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound and innovative exploration of the Protocol-theoretic Logic of Epistemic Norms (PLEN). Through its development into a formal framework, its theoretical significance, and practical utility are demonstrated. Epistemic proceduralism provides a compelling account of epistemic norms, and PLEN's syntax and semantics enable a more precise and nuanced representation of epistemic dynamics. By building a logic of protocols atop PLEN, the book opens up new avenues for understanding and reasoning about epistemic norms in various domains, including epistemic logic, philosophy of mind, and applied ethics. This work is a significant contribution to the field and will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion.

Weight: 980g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031085963
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022