Logical Dynamics of Information and Interaction

Description

This book develops a view of logic as a theory of information-driven agency and intelligent interaction between many agents - with conversation, argumentation and games as guiding examples. It provides one uniform account of dynamic logics for acts of inference, observation, questions and communication, that can handle both update of knowledge and revision of beliefs. It then extends the dynamic style of analysis to include changing preferences and goals, temporal processes, group action and strategic interaction in games. Throughout, the book develops a mathematical theory unifying all these systems, and positioning them at the interface of logic, philosophy, computer science and game theory. A series of further chapters explores repercussions of the 'dynamic stance' for these areas, as well as cognitive science.

Johan van Benthem is University Professor of Logic at the University of Amsterdam, Henry Waldgrave Stuart Professor of Philosophy at Stanford University, and Weilun Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University, Beijing. He is the author of Language in Action (1991) and Exploring Logical Dynamics (1996) and an editor of the Handbook of Modal Logic (2006), the Handbook of Spatial Logics (2007) and Philosophy of Information (2008).

'Logical Dynamics [of Information and Interaction] is at the frontiers of applied logic. This is an essential book for any student of the subject, written by a master of the field.' Dov Gabbay, King's College London '... this book is the best we can have for now as a great source for the research in the field of logical dynamics of information and interaction. It can be used as a handbook of DEL as well. I think the author has succeeded in demonstrating a new view of logic as a theory of information flow in the interaction of agents.' Yanjing Wang, Studia Logica