An abductive propositional logic for design reasoning

Abstract

Design can be seen as a reasoning process based on non‐classic logic, in which non‐monotonicity and abduction are two essential features. This paper introduces Abductive Propositional Logic (APL), which is a simple but powerful formal system to deal with these two features. To show its capabilities, APL is used to analyze the reasoning of a conceptual design of a scooter. The results reveal that APL is not only a profound basis for developing computer supported design systems, but also a useful tool for analyzing design processes.

Key words:

• design reasoning
• non‐monotonicity
• abduction

Notes

Correspondence addressee