Logic For Computer Science - Foundations of Automatic Theorem Proving

Author : Jean H. Gallier, Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania
Pages : 534
Publication Date : 1985, revised in June 2003
Publisher : Wiley

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Book Excerpts:

This book is intended as an introduction to mathematical logic, with an emphasis on proof theory and procedures for constructing formal proofs of formulae algorithmically.

Since the main emphasis of the text is on the study of proof systems and algorithmic methods for constructing proofs, it contains some features rarely found in other texts on logic. Four of these features are:

1. The use of Gentzen Systems;
2. A Justification of the Resolution method via a translation from a Gentzen System;
3. A presentation of SLD-resolution and a presentation of the foundations of PROLOG;
4. Fast decisions procedures based on congruence closures.

Even though the main emphasis of the book is on the design of procedures for constructing formal proofs, the treatment of the semantics is perfectly rigorous. The following paradigm has been followed: Having defined the syntax of the language, it is shown that the set of well-formed formulae is a freely generated inductive set. This is an important point, which is often glossed over. Then, the concepts of satisfaction and validity are defined by recursion over the freely generated inductive set (using the 'unique homomorphic extension theorem', which can be rigorously justified). Finally, the proof theory is developped, and procedures for constructing proofs are given. Particular attention is given to the complexity of such procedures.

Intended Audience:

This book is designed primarily for computer scientists, and more generally, for mathematically inclined readers interested in the formalization of proofs, and the foundations of automatic theorem-proving.

This book is written at the level appropriate to senior undergraduate and first year graduate students in computer science, or mathematics. The prerequesites are the equivalent of undergraduate-level courses in either set theory, abstract algebra, or discrete structures. All the mathematical background necessary for the text itself is contained in Chapter 2, and in the Appendix. Some of the most difficult exercises may require deeper knowledge of abstract algebra.

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