Solving Predicate Logic Proof Problem with Resolution Refutation

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving a predicate logic proof problem related to a simplified "People you may know" model in Facebook. The user presents two predicate logic sentences that define the conditions under which two individuals may know each other based on mutual friendships. The goal is to demonstrate that the sentence "may know(X, Y) implies may know(Y, X)" is derived from the given premises using resolution refutation. The user has formulated several clauses but struggles with proving the implication using both logical reasoning and resolution techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of predicate logic and its syntax, including quantifiers and implications.
  • Familiarity with resolution refutation as a proof technique in logic.
  • Knowledge of logical programming concepts and clause representation.
  • Basic understanding of symmetric relations in graph theory.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of resolution refutation in predicate logic.
  • Explore the application of logical programming languages such as Prolog for implementing logical clauses.
  • Learn about the properties of symmetric relations and their implications in graph theory.
  • Review mathematical reasoning techniques for proving logical implications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in logical programming courses, mathematicians interested in predicate logic, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of resolution refutation in logical proofs.

houndstooth
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I have a question on my assignment that I'm having a great deal of trouble with.

In this question we will
consider a simplified model of the “People you may know” application in Facebook. The
basic idea is that if two people have a common friend, then they may know each other. We
will also take into account the fact in Facebook the relation “friend” is symmetric, that is,
if X is a friend of Y , then Y is a friend of X.
Thus, as a problem description P, we have the following two predicate logic sentences:

8X8Y [(9Z(friend(X, Z) ^ friend(Z, Y ))) $ may know(X, Y )]
8X8Y [friend(X, Y ) ! friend(Y,X)]

Our goal is to show, using resolution refutation, that the following sentence g is implied by P:

8X8Y [may know(X, Y ) ! may know(Y,X)].

8 = universal quantifier
9 = existential quantifier
$ = biconditional
! = implication

I have been able to derive the following clauses (this is for a logical programming class):

c1: may_know(X,Y) :- friend(X,T), friend(T,Y)
c2: friend(X,f(X,Y,T)) :- may_know(X,Y)
c3: friend(f(X,Y,T),Y) :- may_know(X,Y)
c4: friend(Y,X) :- friend(X,Y)
c5: may_know(d,e) :-
c6: :- may_know(e,d)

I've attempted linear refutation which won't work. The question goes on to advise that you prove g from p "using your normal, mathematical, reasoning. Then, try to re-create the steps of your proof using resolution on your clauses." This is where I'm stuck, I'm not sure how I can prove g from p using either my clauses or my ordinary mathematical reasoning. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If X may know Y, then by the first statement, there exists a Z such that X is a friend of Z and Z is a friend of Y. This means, by application of the second statement, that Y is a friend of Z and Z is a friend of X. So by the first statement, Y may know X
 

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