Defeasible Reasoning via Datalog$^\neg$

Abstract

We address the problem of compiling defeasible theories to Datalog$^\neg$ programs. We prove the correctness of this compilation, for the defeasible logic $DL(\partial_{||})$, but the techniques we use apply to many other defeasible logics. Structural properties of $DL(\partial_{||})$ are identified that support efficient implementation and/or approximation of the conclusions of defeasible theories in the logic, compared with other defeasible logics. We also use previously well-studied structural properties of logic programs to adapt to incomplete Datalog$^\neg$ implementations.