Logic and Human Reasoning

Human Reasoning, Computational Logic, and Connectionism

The project aims at developing non-classical logics as well as connectionist realizations thereof which are adequate for human reasoning.
For further information, please contact Christoph Wernhard.

Human Reasoning in Computational Logic

Until now there are no widely accepted theories that give formal representations of sophisticated human reasoning. In our project we address this issue by exploring current results from relevant research areas. The goal is to formalize a framework that allows the expression of reasoning processes which are fundamental in order to explain human behaviour. Conventional formal approaches such as classical logic are not appropriate for this purpose as they cannot deal with the most elementary parts humans are confronted with e.g. incomplete information. Alternatives can be found in formalizations of weaker logics such as non-monotonic logics or three-valued logics. Furthermore, in the field of neurosicence (e.g. connectionist networks) and cognitive science (e.g. studies from psychological reasoning such as the selection and suppression task) a lot of reaserach is going on in understanding and simulating human reasoning processes. Their results are important for our purpose as they deal with similar fundamental questions about human behaviour.

For further information, please contact Emmanuelle Dietz.

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter

Emmanuelle Dietz

Dr. Christoph Wernhard