On Isomorphic Formalisations

Author: Routen T.

Source: Artificial Intelligence and Law, Volume 4, Number 2, 1996 , pp. 113-132(20)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Previous research into the formalisation of statute law identified a number of uses of language which posed problems for formalisation. A previous paper argued that these uses establish the requirement that a formalisation be isomorphic, but noted that this has odd consequences. This paper expands on what these consequences are and argues that they undermine the very idea of formalisation. Therefore, the whole argument constitutes a reductio ad absurdum of the idea of formalising statute law. The paper provides reasons why this activity is impossible and places the conclusion in the context of the development of modern logic, in which context it appears uncontroversial.

Keywords: formalisation; logic; knowledge-based systems

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Computer Science, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom Tel.: +44(0) 116 2551551 E-mail: twr@dmu.ac.uk

Publication date: 1996-01-01