~A~L0S E.

ALci~otml~6~ On the Logic of Theory Change:

AND
])AVID 2~AKINSON
Safe Contraction

Abstract. This paper is concerned with formal aspects of the logic of theory change,
:and in particular with the process of shrinking or contracting a theory to eliminate
a proposition. It continues work in the area by the authors and Peter Gi~rdenfors.
The paper defines a notion of "safe contraction" of a set of propositions, shows that
it satisfies the Gi~rdenfors postulates for contraction and thus can be represented
as a partial meet contraction, and studies its properties both in general and under
~arious natural constraints.

1. Overview
The leading idea is simple. L e t A be a set oi propositions, < a non-
-eh'culsr relation over A, a n d x a proposition t h a t we wish to eliminate
f r o m A. We call an element a of A "safe '~ with respect to x (modulo <~
a n d given some b a c k g r o u n d consequence operation C'~) iff it is n o t a mini-
real element (under < ) of a n y m i n i m a l subset (under inclusion) B of
A such t h a t x e C ~ ( B ) ; a n d p u t t i n g A/x to be t h e set of safe elements
of A, we define t h e f u n c t i o n of safe contraction b y setting A ~- x = A n
~Cn(A/x).
B ~ c k g r o u n d concepts a n d results t h a t will be n e e d e d from [3], [2]~
[1]. are briefly recalled in section 2. I n section 3 we explsiu t h e rationale
of t h e above definition ol safe contraction, a n d show t h s t every safe
c o n t r a c t i o n satisfies %he "G~rdenlors p o s t u l a t e s " for contrsction~ a n d
so by t h e first representation t h e o r e m of [3], is a p%rtial meet contraction
f u n c t i o n when spplied to n t h e o r y . I n section 3 we also give a sufficient
condition for a ssfe contraction f u n c t i o n to be t h e (unique) full m e e t
c o n t r a c t i o n f u n c t i o n over a theory.
Subsequent sections de~l with ssfe contraction functions satisfying
c e r t a i n special constraints. I n section 4 we introduce t h e "continuing u p "
condition on < a n d show t h a t when it is satisfied t h e n t h e safe contraction
f u n c t i o n d e t e r m i n e d b y < satisfies G~rdenfors' " s u p p l e m e n t a r y p o s t u l a t e "
(--7). I n section 5 we examine t h e " c o n t i n u i n g d o w n " condition en <
a n d show t h a t it too has several interesting consequence% including
also satisfaction of (--7). I n section 6 we s t u d y t h e consequences of t a k i n g
< to satisfy various w e a k c o n n e c t i v i t y conditions. We show t h a t one
such condition, of " v i r t u a l connectlv t y , w h e n conjoined ~ i t h either
t h e continuing up or t h e continuing down condition, leads $o Gi~rdenfors'
o t h e r s u p p l e m e n t a r y p o s t u l a t e (--8); a n d we also show t h a t in t h e case
4=06 C. E. Alehourr6n, D. Malcinson

t h a t A is a t h e o r y finite modulo Cq~, another such condition, of "quotient

c o n n e c t i v i t y " over the set of top elements of t h e theory, when conjoined
with a weakened form of the continuing down condition, guarantees t h e
m a x i m a l i t y of A - - x . Finally, in section 7 we consider the b e h a v i o u r
of A -- x when the set variable A is allowed to v a r y as well as x.
The leading idea of this paper and t h e main result of section 3 were
presented w i t h o u t proofs in t h e s u r v e y essay [6], which also gives a gene-
ral review of t h e materiM of [1]~ [2], [3].

2. Background
The f u n d a m e n t a l tool for s t u d y i n g deductive aspects of the logic of
t h e o r y change is Tarski's notion of a consequence operation~ and the
authors dedicate this p a p e r to Tarski in celebration of t h a t elegant concept.
A consequence operation is a function Cn t h a t takes sets of propositions
to sets of propositions, such t h a t A ~ Ca(A), Cn(A) = Cn(Cn(A)), a n d
On(A) ~ Ca(B) whenever A ~ B, for all sets A , B of propositions. W e
lso write A ~ x for x e Cn(A) w h e n e v e r convenient. A consequence
apcration Cn is called compact iff x e Cn(A') for some finite A ' _c A when-
over x e Cn(A). A t h e o r y is a set A of propositions such t h a t A = Cn(A);
equivalently, such t h a t A --Cn(JB) for some B. As in [2], [3], we shall
assume our consequence operations to be c o m p a c t a n d to include classieM
tautological implication. We shall also assume t h a t Cn satisfies t h e rule
of "introduction of disjunction into t h e premises"~ t h a t is~ t h a t y e C ~ ( A u
w {xl v xf}) whenever y e Cn (A u {xl}) and y e On (A u {x2}).
I f A is a set of propositions and x is a proposition, we write A 3_ x (in
words, A less x) for t h e set of all maximal subsets B of A such t h a t x ~ Cn (B).
Clearly, as n o t e d in [1], if Ca is c o m p a c t t h e n A 3_ x is n o n - e m p t y iff
x ~ Cn(O). If A is a set of propositions, t h e n a selection function for A
is defined to be a function 7 such t h a t for every proposition x, y(A __Ix)
is a n o n - e m p t y s u b s e t of A 3 - x in the principal case t h a t t h e latter is
n o n - e m p t y , a n d y ( A I x ) -~ {A} in the limiting case t h a t A 3-x is e m p t y .
G i v e n a selection function ? for A, the partial meet contraction function
-- over A d e t e r m i n e d b y 7 is defined b y p u t t i n g A -- x = ~'] ? ( A 3_x).
As special cases, if ~,(A ~ x ) = A & x for M1 values of x ~ Cn(O) t h e n
-- is called a full meet contraction function over A ; if on the other h a n d
7(A 3_x) is a singleton {B} where B e A _[_x for all values of x ~ Cn(O),
t h e n -- is called a maxichoice contraction function over A.
B y t h e Gi~rdenfors postulates for contraction we mean t h e six conditions
( : 1) to ( : 6 ) below, a n d b y the supplementary postulates we m e a n t h e
two conditions (--7) a n d ( - - 8 ) :
(--1) A - - x is a t h e o r y w h e n e v e r A is (closure)
(:2) A .'--x _c A (inclusion)
On the logic ()f ~heory change 407

(=3) I~ x r Cn(A) t h e n A = x = A (vacuity)

(=~) If x ~ Cn(O) t h e n x $ C n ( A = x ) (success)
(=-5) If Cn(x) = C,(y) t h e n A - - x = A - - y (preservation)
(=6) A ~_ Cn((A=x)w{x}} w h e n e v e r A is a t h e o r y (recovery)
(=7) ( A - - x ) n ( A = y ) ~_ A - - ( x ^ y ) w h e n e v e r A is a t h e o r y
(=8) A = ( x A y )~_ A - - x whenever A is a t h e o r y a n d x r
As shown in o b s e r v a t i o n 2.5 of [3], when A is a t h e o r y t h e n = is
partial m e e t contraction function over A iff it satisfies t h e G~rdenfors
postulates ( = 1 ) to ( = 6 ) on A. ~ o r e o v e r , as p r o v e n in o b s e r v a t i o n 4.5
of [3], when A is a t h e o r y t h e n "-- satisfies the G~rdenfors plus supplemen-
t a r y p o s t u l a t e s (--1) to ( = 8 ) on A iff = is a partial m e e t contraction
function over A t h a t is "transitively relational", in t h e sense t h a t t h e r e
is a transitive relation <~ over 2 ~ such t h a t for all x ~ Cn(O), ~(A •
={BOA lx:B'~B for all B ' e A L z } , where ~ is some selection
function t h a t determines --. As r e m a r k e d in observation 6.1 of [3], when
A is a t h e o r y t h e n = is a maxichoice contraction function over A iff
it satisfies t h e G/~rdenfors postulates ( = 1 ) to ( = 6 ) plus t h e condition
( = / ~ ) : if y e a and y ~A=x then TyvxeA=x, for a n y t h e o r y A~
:Finally, as n o t e d in observation 2.1 of [2], w h e n A is a t h e o r y t h e n t h e
(unique, given Cn) full m e e t contraction function ~ over A is characteri-
zed b y t h e equations A ~-- x = C n ( - I x ) n A w h e n x e A and A ~ x = A
in t h e limiting ease t h a t x ~ A.

3. Definition and basic properties

L e t A be a set of propositions a n d < a relation over A. W e say t h a t
< is a hierarchy over A iff it satisfies t h e "non-circularity" condition t h a t
for no a l , . . . , a n e A (n~l), al<a2<...<an<al. E q u i v a l e n t l y , as
is easily verified, iff it satisfies t h e " m i n i m M i t y " condition t h a t for all
al,...,a~eA ( n > l l ) t h e r e is an i ~ < n such t h a t for no j ~ < n , a j < a ~ .
Clearly, w h e n < is a hierarchy over A t h e n < is irreflexive (put n
= 1) a n d also a s y m m e t r i c (put n = 2). Clearly too, if < is a relation
over A t h a t is b o t h irreflexive a n d transitive then it satisfies the non-
-circularity condition a n d so is a hierarchy, although t h e converse does
not always hold. To fix ideas, it is convenient to bear in mind t h e interesting
case where < is transitive as well as non-circular, b u t for t h e developmen~
of our t h e o r y we need only t h e weaker a s s u m p t i o n of non-circularity.
Y~ow let x be a n y proposition t h a t we w o u l d like to "eliminate" from
the consequences of A. F o r generality, we do n o t need to require t h a t
actually is a consequence of A, although t h a t is clearly t h e interesting
case. We say t h a t an element a of A is safe with respect to x (modulo
the hierarchy < and given t h e consequence operation Cn) iff a is n o t a mini-
mal elemen~ (under < ) of a n y minimal subset (under inclusion) B of
408 U. E. Alchourr6n, D. .~akinsor6

A such t h a t x ~ Cn(B). E q u i v a l e n t l y : iff every inclusion-minimal subset

B _c A with B k x either does not contain a or else contains some b < a.
We write A Ix for t h e set of all elements of A t h a t are safe with respect
to x.
I n t u i t i v e l y speaking, t h e idea is t h a t a is safe iff it can never be " b l a m e d "
f o r t h e implication of x, t h a t is, iff we can never find a subset of A t h a t
implies x, has no proper subsets t h a t i m p l y x, b u t contains a a n d does
n o t contain a n y elements "worse" t h a n a according to t h e hierarchy < .
:Note t h a t in t h e definition of s a f e t y we are working with a relation
over A, r a t h e r t h a n over 2 A or more restrietedly its subset (Jx{A I x }
a s in t h e investigations of [2] a n d [3]. There we considered orderings
of t h e f a m i l y of m a x i m a l subsets of A t h a t fail to i m p l y x; here we are
dealing with orderings of A itself. Note also t h a t there are two dimensions
of m i n i m a l i t y in ~he definition of safety, which should n o t be confused
w i t h each other: with respect to < a n d with respect to c . If we neglect
t h e former dimension of minimality, we are left with a concept t h a t m i g h t
be called "absolute s a f e t y " : a e A is absolutely safe with respect to x iff
it is n o t an element of a n y m i n i m a l subset (under _~) B of A such t h a t
jB k x. Clearly this is a special case of s a f e t y : a is absolutely safe with
respect to x iff it is safe with respect to x modulo the e m p t y relation
(under which all elements of a set are minimal elements). If we neglect
the other dimension of minimality, of the set B u n d e r inclusion, we do
n o t get a special case of safety, b u t r a t h e r the cruder notion of " n o r m a l i t y "
studied in [1]: a e A is said to be a normal element of A with respect
to x iff a is not a m i n i m a l element (under the hierarchy < ) of a n y set
B _~ A such t h a t B k x. Writing A / / x for the set of all n o r m a l elements
of A with respect to x, it is obvious thus A / I x ~_ A/x, a l t h o u g h t h e con-
verse does n o t in general hold. Clearly, if we t h i n k in t e r m s of our i n t u i t i v e
m o t i v a t i o n , of dropping elements of A t h a t can be " b l a m e d " for t h e
implication of x~ safety is the more appropriate concept. F o r it could
h a p p e n t h a t some subset B of A implies m~ a n d whilst a is n o t in B a n d
in no direct w a y connected with a n y elements of B, it m a y nevertheless
be no " b e t t e r " u n d e r < t h a n a n y elements of B. I n such a case a will
be a m i n i m a l element of Bw{a} t- x a n d so n o t be normal~ a l t h o u g h intuiti-
vely it has no responsibility for t h e implication of x.
A l t h o u g h s a f e t y thus responds more closely to our intuitive moti-
vation, n o r m a l i t y is one degree simpler in its definition as it involves
only one dimension of minimality. I n section 5 we shall show t h a t u n d e r
a n appropriate condition, it is possible to express safety in terms of nor-
m a l i t y , a n d use the l a t t e r to establish some properties of t h e former.
The operation of safe eontravtion over a set A (modulo a hierarchy <
~ n d given a consequence operation Cn) is defined b y t h e equation A - - ~
= Ac~Cn(A/x). I n ~he case t h a t A is a t h e o r y , since A / x ~ A w e h a v e
C%(A/x) c Cn(A) = A so t h a t A - - x = C~(A/x).
On the logic of theory change 409

LE~ 3.1. Let A be a set of propositions, < a hierarchy over A. Then

A • C n ( - I x ) c A[x.
P~ooF. Suppose for r e d u c t i o a d a b s u r d u m t h a t a E A , "-ix ~ a, a ~ A /x.
T h e n a is a m i n i m a l element (under < ) of a m i n i m a l set B c___4 such
t h a t B ~ x. P u t B ' ----B--{a}. :Now B = B ' u { a } , so we h a v e B ' w { a } ~- x.
:But since - I x ~ a we h a v e ~ a ~ x a n d so B ' u{ -In} ~ x, so since Cn includes
tautological implication a n d is closed u n d e r disjunction of premises, B ' ~ x
c o n t r a d i c t i n g t h e m i n i m a l i t y of ~ . []
O~SE~V~TION 3.2. Safe contraction satisfies the GSzdenfors postulates
( --1)-("--6).
P~00F. F o r closure, recall t h a t w h e n A is a t h e o r y A - - x = C a ( A / x )
so A - - x is also a t h e o r y . Inclusion is i m m e d i a t e f r o m t h e definition of
A = x as A n C n ( A / x ) . V a c u i t y holds because when x ~ C n ( A ) there is
no subset B _ A with B F x, so every a e A is safe with respect to x.
P r e s e r v a t i o n holds because clearly w h e n Ca(x) = Ca(y) t h e n A / x = A / y
so t h a t A - - x -- A = y .
For success, suppose x ~ Ca(O) a n d suppose for reductio ad a b s u r d u m
t h a t x e C a ( A - - x ) -~ C n ( A n O n ( A / x ) ) = C n ( A / x ) . Using compactness of
Cn~ there is a finite a n d m i n i m a l B c_ A / x w i t h B ~ x. Since x ~ Ca(O),
B is n o t e m p t y . Hence since B is finite, we h a v e b y t h e non-circularity
of < t h a t it contains a m i n i m a l (under < ) element b. Then on t h e one
h a n d , since b e B c_ A / x , b is safe with respect to x, whilst on t h e other
h a n d since b is a m i n i m a l element of some m i n i m a l set B c_ A with B ~ x,
b is n o t safe with respect to x, giving us a contradiction.
For recovery, 1 e t a be a t h e o r y a n d suppose a e A ; we need to show
t h a t a ~ Cn((A--'x)u{x}) = C n ( C n ( A / x ) w { x } ) = C n ( A / x u { x } ) b y general
properties of consequence operations. Clearly, b y t h e b a c k g r o u n d assump-
tions on Cn of t h e previous section, it will suffice to show t h a t -~x v a e A / x .
Since a e A a n d A is a t h e o r y we ha~e - l x v a c A , a n d clearly too -]xv
v a e O q ~ ( U x ) , so b y L e m m a 3.1 we h a v e - ] x v a e A / x . as desired. []
CO~OLL~u 3.3. Let A be a theory. Then every safe contraction f~.~netion
over A is a partial meet contraction function over A.
P~OOF. I m m e d i a t e f r o m 3.2 t o g e t h e r with t h e R e p r e s e n t a t i o n Theorem
2.5 of [3]. []
Observation 3.2 brings out ~ distinction between safe contraction
~nd the cruder notion of n o r m a l contraction, defined analogously as
A n C n ( A / / x ) r a t h e r t h a n A n C n ( A / x ) . l~ormal contraction does n o t in
general s~tisfy recovery, a l t h o u g h it is easy to verify t h a t it satisfies
t h e other postulates (--1) to (--5). Take for example A to be a t h e o r y
w i t h x e A b u t Ca(x) ~ A~ a n d p u t < to be t h e e m p t y relation (giving
rise to w h a t m i g h t be calted absolutely n o r m a l contraction). Since x e A
410 C. E. Alchourr6n, D. Makinson~

and < is empty~ every element of A is a minimal element of some subset

B _~ A (namely A itself) with B k x, so A / / x = O a n d t h u s A c ~ C n ( A / / x }
= Cn(O) a n d so C n ( ( X r ~ C ~ ( A I / x ) ) u { x } ) = C n ( x ) , _.4.
W h e n is a safe contraction a full meet contraction, a n d w h e n is it
a maxichoice contraction ? We shall look a t the l a t t e r question in section 6
for t h e former we can say i m m e d i a t e l y t h a t every absolutely safe contrac-
tion is a full m e e t contraction.

OBS~,~VATI0~ 3.4. Let A be any theory and < the empty hierarchy over A .
Then for all x~ A / x = A - - x = A ,-~x.

P~ooF. W h e n x r A t h e n trivially all three equal A a n d we are done-

Suppose x e A. T h e n b y Observation 2.1 of [2], since A is a t h e o r y a n d
x eA~ A ~ x = A n C n ( - I x ) . B y L e m m a 3.1, A n C n ( ~ x ) ~_ A / x ~_ A - - x .
So it will suffice to show A : x c_ A n C n ( ~ x ) . Since A - - x ~ A we need
only show A -- x ~_ Cn ( 7 x ) , for which it will suffice to show A / x ~_ Cn ( - I x ) .
L e t a e A / x . Then a is n o t a minimM element~ a n d so since < is e m p t y
it is n o t an element, of a n y minimal B c A such t h a t B k x. ~ o w p u t B
= {a, - ] a v x } . Since x, a e A a n d A is a t h e o r y we h a v e B ___ A, a n d
clearly b o t h B k x a n d a e B. ]~ence there m u s t be a proper subset of B
t h a t implies x~ a n d so a minimM such proper subset ~ ' . Then a ~ B',
so either B ' = O or B ' = ( - ] a v x } ; in either case we h a v e - ] a v x k ar
so - ] a k x so - ] x k a as desired. []

We know from [3] Observation 6.4 t h a t full meet contraction satisfies

the "intersection condition" t h a t for e v e r y t h e o r y A a n d x , y e A r
A ,'-, ( x A y ) = (A ,-., x)c~(A ~ y). I t follows from Observation 3A therefore
t h a t absolutely safe contraction, a n d absolute safety itself, satisfy t h i s
condition. T h a t is, when < is t h e e m p t y hierarchy over a t h e o r y A a n d
x , y c A , A / x A y = A "--xAy = ( A - - x ) r ~ ( A - - y ) = A / x n A / y .
We end this section with a general l e m m a which will be useful w h e n
considering conditions for t h e satisfaction of G~rdenfors' s u p p l e m e n t a r y
p o s t u l a t e (--7).

L]~vf_~ 3.5. Let A be any set of propositions and < any hierarchy over A .
Then A / x c~A/y c A / x ^ y.

P~oo~'. Suppose a ~ A / x n y. I f a ~ A we are done, so suppose a ~ A .

Then a is a m i n i m a l element of some minimal B _c A w i t h B k XAy.
:NOW either a e B' for every B ' _~ B with B' k x, or else a e B " for every
B " _ B with B " k y. :For otherwise t h e r e are B% B " ~ B such t h a t B'~)
u B " k x ^ y , a n d a ~ B ' u B " so t h a t B ' u B " is a proper subset of B, cont-
radicting the m i n i m M i t y of B. We consider the former case; t h e l a t t e r
is similar.
On the logic of theory change 411

S i n c e / ~ ~ x A y we h a v e :B ~ x so b y compactness there is a minimal

B ' ~ B with B ' ~ x. B y t h e hypothesis of t h e case, a e B', a n d t h u s since
a is minimal in B ~ B ' it is minimal in B'~ so t h a t a ~ A Ix a n d t h u s a ~ A / x n
n A / y as desired. []

4. The contimdng up condition

L e t A be a n y set of propositions a n d < s hierarchy over A. We say
%hst < continues u 2 ~ over A i~f for all a, b, e e A, if a < b a n d b ~ e t h e n
< c. The interest of this notion lies in its formal usefulness a n d its plausi-
bility u n d e r a n a t u r a l epistemological reading of t h e hierarchy < over A.
Formally, the condition suffices to ensure satisfaction of Gi~rdenfors'
s u p p l e m e n t a r y p o s t u l a t e (--7) as we shall show in observation 4.3. F o r
t h e intuitive rutionale~ we recall t h e u s e t o which t h e relation < is p u t
in t h e definition of s a f e t y : A / x consists of those elements of A t h a t cannot
b e " b l a m e d " for t h e implication of x, in t h e sense t h a t whenever a mini-
real subset B of A t h a t implies x contains a, t h e n it also contains some
e l e m e n t b t h a t is "worse" t h a n a according to < . " W o r s e " in w h a t w a y ?
B r o a d l y speaking, t h e r e are two kinds of reading t h a t suggest themselves:
b could b e less powerful or inferentially fruitful or "epistemologically
i m p o r t a n t " t h a n a; or could be less secure or reliable or plausibl% or in
o t h e r words more e~posed, t h a n a. Of course~ within these t w o b r o a d
kinds of reading, finer discriminations could well b e made, a n d further
epistemological readings of a quite different n a t u r e are perhaps also
imaginable. B u t t h e p o i n t t h a t we wish to m a k e here is t h a t t h e two
kinds of reading r u n s o m e w h a t counter to each other: if a is inferentially
more fruitful t h a n b we would expect it to b e less secure th~n b r a t h e r
t h a n more so. I n d e e d one might even suggest as a first a p p r o x i m a t i o n
t h a t degree of fruitfulness b e t a k e n as t h e converse of degree of security.
I n his discussions [4], [5] of t h e epistemology of t h e o r y change, P e t e r
Ggrdenfors has a t t e m p t e d to u n d e r s t a n d t h e process in t e r m s of an ordering
of epistemological importance. ]~owever when formulating t h e definition
of safety, t h e present a u t h o r s have been m o t i v a t e d b y t h e general idea
of degree of security: intuitively~ a is unsafe with respect ~o x in A iff
it is a minimally secure (or m a x i m a l l y vulnerable) element of some minimal
set B ~ A t h a t implies x.
U n d e r this i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of < , t h e continuing u p condition m a k e s
good sense. ~Te w o u l d expect t h a t when b ~ e t h e n b is at least as insecure
as e, so t h a t if a is strictly less secure t h a n b a n d b ~ e t h e n a is strictly
less secure t h a n c. Accordingly, we shall feel free to investigate t h e conse-
quences of t h e continuing u p condition a n d in t h e n e x t section its dual
"continuing d o w n " condition, t t o w e v e r it should b e u n d e r s t o o d t h a t
t h e continuing up condition does n o t h a v e a n y plausibility for t h e relation
~f "epistemological i m p o r t a n c e " or inferential fruitfulness: we m a y h a v e
412 C. E. Alchourrdn, D. Mak~nsow

a situation where a is less i m p o r t a n t t h a n b, a n d b F e, b u t c m i g h t be so

weak a n d powerless t h a t a is nevertheless more i m p o r t a n t t h a n c.
LE~ 4.1. Let A be any set of propositions and < a hierarchy over A .
I f < continues up F over A then for all x, i f a e A /x and a F b and b e A
then b ~ A /x.
Before giving the proof~ we note in w a r n i n g t h a t we are n o t showing
t h a t u n d e r t h e hypotheses of t h e l e m m a (and even w h e n A is a t h e o r y )
A / x is closed under Cn. We are showing only the m u c h weaker, b u t never-
theless v e r y useful result t h a t u n d e r the given hypotheses A Ix is closed
(up to the limits of A) u n d e r the application of Cn to its singleton subsets.
P~ooF. Suppose a F b~ b eA~ b ~ A [ x ; we need to show a ~ A [ x . I n
the case t h a t a r A this holds trivially~ so we suppose a e A. Since b e A
b u t b ~ A/x~ b is a m i n i m a l element of some m i n i m a l s u b s e t / ~ c A with
B F x. Now form B' b y replacing b b y a in B, i.e. p u t B ' = ((B -- {b}) (/
u{a}). Since a F b we still h a v e B ' F x. Hence b y compactness there is
a m i n i m a l ~ " _c B' _~ A with B " F x. To complete t h e proof it will suffice
to show t h a t a is a m i n i m a l element of B " .
Fh~ note t h a t a e B " , for otherwise B " ~ _ B - { b } c o n t r a d i c t i n g
the m i n i m a l i t y o f / ? . Second, note t h a t a is minima.1 in B " . F o r otherwise
b" < a F b for some b" e B"~ so since < continues u p F, b" < b. ~ o r e o v e r
b y irreflexivity b" r a so t h a t b" e B " -- {a} c B' - {a} c B - {b} E B
contradicting t h e m i n i m a l i t y o~ b in B. []

L]~M3~A ~.2. Let A be a theory and < a hierarchy over A. I f < continues
up F over A then for all x, y, Cn(AIx)r~On(A/y) = C n ( A l x r ~ A / y ) .
P~OOF. Clearly R H S c L H S by general properties of consequence
operations, i n d e p e n d e n t l y of t h e continuing up hypothesis. :For the con-
verse, suppose c e L H S . The cases A / x = O, A / y = O are trivial, so we
suppose these sets are n o n - e m p t y . Then using compactness there are
a l ~ . . . ~ a ~ e A / x a n d b l , . . . , b r ~ e A / y with n ~ m ~ > l such t h a t alA . . .
...A a, F c a n d also b~/~ ... A b~ b c. H e n c e using disjunction of premises,
a n d distribution we have A~z(a~vb~) F c. Note t h a t since each a~ e A [ x ~ A
a n d A is a theory, each ai v b~ e A. Hence we m a y a p p l y L e m m a 4.1 to
get each ai v bl ~ A / x , a n d similarly we get each a~v b~ e A / y . ]~ence A / x c~
r~A/y F c, so c e I~HS as desired. []
O~SE~VA~ON 4.3. Let A be a theory~ < a hierarchy over A~ a~d -- the
safe contraction funetio~ over A determined by <. IJ < continues up F over
A then for all x, y, ( A - - x ) ~ ( A - - y ) c A - - ( x ^ y ) .

P~oo~. We need to show t h a t C n ( A [ x ) ~ C n ( A [ y ) c C n ( A / x A y).

:But L e m m ~ 4.2 gives us L H S = C n ( A / x f ~ A / y ) whilst L e m m ~ 3.5 gives
us C n ( A / x ~ A / y ) c t~HS. []
On the logic of theory change ~13

5. The continuing down condition

L e t A b e ~ set o~ pr opos i t i ons a n d < a h i e r a r c h y o v e r A. We say t h a t
< continues down F over A iff for all a, b, c c A , if a F b a n d b < c t h e n
a < c. Lik e t h e c o n t i n u i n g up condition, this condition accords well with
t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of < as degree of security. Our m a i n p u r p o s e in t h i s
section is to show ( obs er va t i on 5.4) t h a t w h e n A is a t h e o r y a n d < is
a h i e r a r c h y over A t h a t continues d o w n F over A, t h e n t h e safe c o n t r a c t i o n
-- d e t e r m i n e d b y < sa.tisfies (--7). H o w e v e r t h e p r o o f is quite unlike
t h a t u s ed u n d e r t h e c o n t i n u i n g u p c o n d i t i o n ; we do n o t h a v e a l e m m a
a.nalogous to t.1 giving closure of A / x u n d e r application of Cn t o single-
tons, b u t h a v e i n s t e a d a l e m m a t h a t expresses s a f e t y in t e r m s of t h e
simpler n o t i o n of n o r m a l i t y .
OBSE~V~IO~ 5.1. ~et A be a theory, < a hierarchy over A. I f < conti-
nues down ~ over A, then for all x~ A / x = A / / x u ( A n C ~ ( 7x)).
P g o o F . T h e inclusion R H S c L H S is easy : t r i v i a l l y A / / x ~_ A/x, a n d
b y L e m m a 3.1 we also h a v e A nCn ( 7 x ) c_ A/x, e v e n w h e n A is n o t a t h e o r y
a n d i r r e s p e c t i v e of t h e c o n t i n u i n g dow n condition. F o r t h e converse~
suppose a 6 / ~ H S . I n t h e case t h a t a 6 A we are done, so suppose a c A .
T h e n a ~ A / / x a n d -7x non Fa. Since a e A a n d a ~ A / / x , a is a m i n i m a l ele-
m e n t of some B ~ A w i t h B ~ x. W e consider a series of sets B~, B~, B s ,
B~ as follows, to show t h a t t h e r e is a B ' = B4 such t h a t a is a m i ni m al ele-
m e n t of B ' a n d B ' is a miniraal subset of A i m p l y i n g xy so t h a t a @A/x.
P u t B 1 = B --{a}. T h e n ~ t- --]avx, so b y c o m p a c t n e s s t h e r e is m i n i m a l
B2 c B1 with B2 k -Tavx. N ow p u t B3 -- {bv - ] a : b EB2}. N o t e t h a t Ba
c A since B~ c B~ _ B ~ A a n d A is a t h e o r y . N o t e ~lso that Ba F - l a v x ,
for since :B~ is finite, so is Bs, a n d so using d i s D i b u t i o n a n d classical
logic Ba F A bi~B=b~v -Ta k N a v x. N o t e m o r e o v e r t h a t Ba is a minimal subse~
of A t h a t implies T a v x , since B z is a minimal such set. N o t e finally t h a t
:Bunch ~ .% for if Ba ~ x t h e n using d i s t r i b u t i o n we get -]a ~ x, c o n t r a d i c t i n g
o ur h y p o t h e s i s t h a t -Tx n o n ~ a.
No w p u t B~ = B a w { a } . T h e n clearly .a e Bd~, B~ c_ A, a~_d B~ Fm.
Also a is m i n i m a l in Bt for if c e B a a n d c < a we h n v e c = by -Ta i or
some b e B~, so b ~ c < a, so since < continues dow n F over A we h~ve
b < a with b e B~ c B~ _ B c o n t r a d i c t i n g t h e m i n i m a l i t y of a in B. F i n a l l y ,
we cD~im t h a t B , is a m i ni m a l subset of A t h a t implies x. F o r suppose
C c B~. T h e n either a ~ C or c ~ C for some c e B a . 111 t h e f o r m e r case
C c Bs n o n F x a n d we are done. I n t h e l a t t e r case C - {a} c Ba so b y t h e
m i n i m a l i t y of Ba, C --{a} n o n ~ - l a v x , so C n o n ~ x again as desired.
C o r o l l A r Y 5.2. ~et A be a theory and < a hierarchy over A. I f < eonti-
q~ues down ~ over A then for all x, y, A / x ~_ ( A / x A y ) W ( A n C n ( - I x ) ) .
P ~o o ~. B y o b s e r v a t i o n 5.1 we h a v e , u n d e r t h e conditions of t h e coro-
llary, A / x = A / / x w (A~Cn( 7x)), so it suffices to show t h a t A / / x c A / x A
414 C. E. Alcho~rr6n, D. Mabinson

Ay. Since A / / x n y ~_ A / x ^ y , it t h u s suffices to show A / / x ~ A / / x A y .

:But this is evident, for if a c A , a ~ A / / x A y , t h e n a is m i n i m a l in some
B ~ _ A with B F x ^ y F x . []
O]~SE~VAT~O~ 5.3..Let A be a theory~ < a hierarchy over A~ and -- the
safe contraction funetio~ over A determined by <. I f < continues down
F- over A, then for all x, y, ( A - - x ) f ~ ( A : y ) c A "--(xAy).
P~oo~. Suppose a e L H S . T h e n in p a r t i c u l a r A / x F a so using Corollary
5.2 A / x c A / x ^ y u ( A n C n ( " - i x ) ) c A / x n y w C n ( - ~ x ) F a, so A / x ^ y w { -Tx}
F a. Similarly since a e L H S we h a v e A / y F a a n d so A / x A y w { - l y } F a.
Hence A / x ^ y u { - l x v ~y} F a so A / x A y U { - l ( x ^ y ) } F a. B u t b y recovery,
since a e A we also h a v e A - - ( X A y ) U{XAy} F a, SO t h a t A / x A y w { x n y } F a.
P u t t i n g these t o g e t h e r gives A / x A y ~"a ~nd t h u s a e A - - ( x A y ) ~S de-
sired, m
Corollary 5.2 can be p u t in various equivalent forms. I t can be p u t
in terms of F r a t h e r t h a n n 9 u n d e r t h e same conditions us ~or 5.2, if u F v
t h e n A / v ~_ A / u u ( A n C n ( - T v ) ) . I t can also be p u t in terms of v : u n d e r
the same conditions again, A / x v y ~_ A / x u ( A ~ C n ( ~ x A Ty)). A n o t h e r
Corollary of Observation 5.1 can be p u t in even simpler t e r m s :
COrOLLArY 5.4. Let A be a theory and < a hierarchy over A. I f < conti-
nues down F over A then for all x, y, A ] x n y ~ A / x w A / y .
P~ooF. B y Observation 5.1. we h a v e A / x A y = A / / x ^ yw(A n
(~Cn( "Txv-lY)), A / x = A / / x ~ ( A f ~ C n ( - l x ) ) , A / y = A / / y w ( A ~ C n ( - ] y ) ) .
Clearly Cn( "qxv -lY) ~- Ca(-lx)~Cn(-~y), so we need only show t h a t
A / / x A y ~ A / / x u A / / y . I n fact, A / / x A y ~ - A / / x ~ A / / y . F o r if a e A ,
a ~ A / / x ^ y t h e n a is a m i n i m a l element of some B _ A with B F xAy,
SoB F x , B F y s o a ~ A / / x a n d a ~ A / / y . Conversely~ifa e A r a ~ A / / x w A / /
/ly t h e n there are B , C ~ A such tha% a is a m i n i m a l element of each
a n d B F x~ C F y, so B w C F x h y a n d a is clearly a m i n i m a l element of
B u C , so a ~ A / / x A y as desired. []

6. Weak connectivity conditions

I t is natm'al to ask w h a t the consequences are of imposing upon the
hierarchy < some sort of connectivity condition. There is no interest
in imposing full connectivity, at least in t h e presence of the continuing
up or continuing down conditions. F o r let x, y be distinct propositions
t h a t are nevertheless equivalent u n d e r Cn, i.e. Cn (x) = Cn (y). Then b y
c o n n e c t i v i t y either x < y or y < x; consider say the former ease~ t h e
l a t t e r is similar. Then y F x < y F x~ so using either the continuing down
or the continuing up condition we h a v e y < y or x < x c o n t r a r y to ir-
reflexivity.
 On the logic of theory change 415

Nevertheless there are weaker forms of c o n n e c t i v i t y t h a t are of interest,

p a r t i c u l a r l y in connection with satisfaction of t h e s u p p l e m e n t a r y p o s t u l a t e
( - 8 ) a n d with m a x i m a l i t y . We say t h a t a h i e r a r c h y < over A is quotient
connected over B _~ A (or, t h a t it is connected over B up to logical equi-
valence) iff for a l l b, v e B , either b < c or e < b or Ca(b) = Ca(v); a n d
we say t h a t < is virtually connected over B iff for all b~ c, d eB~ if b < v
t h e n either b < d or d < c.
The condition of v i r t u a l connectivity is r a t h e r u n u s u a l , a n d it m a y
render it more familiar to note t h a t a relation B over a set A is v i r t u a l l y
connected over B ~ A iff its c o m p l e m e n t /~ = A s - - R is t r a n s i t i v e over
B, I n the same vein~ R is connected over B up to an equivalence relation
iff R is a n t i s y m m e t r i c over B up to ~ , i.e. iff bt~e a n d e~b implies
b _ ~ c for all b, c s B .
Finally, we say t h a t a h i e r a r c h y < over A respects logical equivalence
over B _c A iff for all b, b ' e B , if Ca(b) --- Cn(b') t h e n for all c e B , b < c
iff b' < c a n d c < b iff c < b'. Clearly, if < continues b o t h u p a n d down
F over B t h e n < respects logical equivalence over B. Moreover it is easy
to v e r i f y t h a t :
l:~E~_Al~It: 6.1..Let A be a set of propositions, < a hierarchy over A , and
B c_ A . Then:
(a ) I f < is quotient connected over B and either respects logical equivalence
over B or continues up k over B or continues down k over B, then < is both
transitive and virtually connected over B ;
(b) I f < is virtually connected over B then < is transitive over .B, and
moreover continues up k over B i f f it continues down F over B.
We now show t h a t v i r t u a l connectivity of < over A, in t h e presence
of either t h e continuing up or t h e continuing down condition, suffice
for satisfaction of t h e s u p p l e m e n t a r y postulate (--'8).
OBSEt~VATIO~ 6.2..Let A be a theory~ < a hierarchy over A~ and -- the
safe coutraction function over A determined by <. I f < is virtually connected
over A and continues up or down F over A~ then for all x, y, i f x r A + ( x A y )
then A - - ( x ^ y ) E A - - x .
PI~OOF. Suppose t h a t < is v i r t u a l l y connected over A a n d continues
up or down k over A. Then b y l~em~rk 6.1 (b), < continues b o t h up a n d
d o w n F over A. ttenee, supposing x r A--(mAy) it suffices b y Observation
5.1 to show that AllxAytu(AnCn(-]xv-iy))_c AIIxu(AnCn (-lx)).
Clearly Ca( -qxv -~y) = Ca( -Ix)riCh( qy)~ so il will suffice to show t h a t
A//xAy ~ A//x.
Suppose a C A / I x ; we w a n t to show a t A / / x A y . The ease a CA is
trivial, so we suppose a e A. Then there is a B c A such t h a t B k x a n d
a is a m i n i m a l element of B. Since b y hypothesis x r A - - ( x ^ y ) we h a v e
A / / x A y ~_ A / x A y non k x, so we can say t h a t B $ A / / x ^ y . H e n c e there is

7- Stuflia Logica XLIV/4

416 G. E. AlchourrSn. D. Makinso~

a b e B with b r a n d so there is a ~ ' ~ A with B ' t- x A y such

t h a t b is a minimal element of B'. ~ o w p u t C = JBuB'. Clearly a e C c A
a n d C t- Xhy. Moreover a is minimM in C. :For suppose c < a for c ~ C.
Since a is m i n i m a l in ~ we h a v e v ~ B so c e B'. Since < is v i r t u a l l y con-
n e c t e d over A a n d e < a we h a v e either e < b or b < a. B u t the f o r m e r
a l t e r n a t i v e is impossible since c~ b e B ' a n d b is m i n i m a l in B'. A n d t h e
latter alternative is also impossible since b, a e .B a n d a is m i n i m a l in
B. Thus, as claimed~ a is minimM in C _c A a n d C F x A y so a ~ A / / x A y
as desired. 9

C o ~ o z ~ Y 6.3. Zet A be a theory~ < a hierarchy over A , and -- the

safe contraction function over .4 determined by ~ . I f ~ is virtually connected
over A and continues up or down F over A , then:
(a) --satisfies both of the supplementary postulates (--7) and (--8);
(b) -- is a transitively relational partial meet contraction function;
(e) -- satisfies $he "ventilation conditio~": for all x, y either A - - ( x A y )
- - - A - - x or A : ( x A y ) = A - - y or A ' - - ( x A y ) = A - - x n A - - y .

PROOF. We recall f r o m Corollary 3.3 t h a t every safe contraction ~unction

is a partial m e e t contraction function, a n d we recall f r o m R e m a r k 6.1
(b) t h a t if < is v i r t u a l l y connected a n d continues u p or down A t h e n
it continues up a n d down A. Then (a) holds b y Observations 5.3 a n d 6.2;
(a) is equivalent to (b) b y t h e representation Theorem 4.4 a n d its Corollary
4.5 of [3]; a n d (a) is also equivalent to ( c ) b y Observation 6.5 of [3]. 9

We a l r e a d y have, in Observation 3.4, a suificient condition for a safe

contraction f u n c t i o n to be a full meet contraction. I t is interesting t o
ask u n d e r w h a t conditions it is, a t t h e opposite extreme, a maxichoice
contraction function. We do n o t h a v e an entirely general result here~
b u t we do h a v e one t h a t covers the finite case. To prepare for its f o r m u l a t i o n
n o t e t h a t if < , < ' are hierarchies over A with < _~ < ' t h e n A - - x ~_ A'--'x.
F o r if a is a m i n i m a l element u n d e r < ' of some m i n i m a l snbset B c A
with B t- x, t h e n a is also m i n i m a l in B u n d e r < , so t h a t A / x c A ' / x a n d
t h u s A - - x c A - - ' x . Thus one w a y of g e t t i n g A - - x to grow in size~ so
as to a p p r o x i m a t e more closely an element of A _l_x, is b y increasing
t h e power of the h i e r a r c h y < . ~ o w q u o t i e n t connected hierarchies are
m a x i m a l a m o n g those t h a t respect logical equivalence or continue u p
or down F over A. F o r if < is quotient connected over A a n d a ~; b where
a , b e A t h e n either b < a or C n ( a ) = C n ( b ) , so t h a t no a s y m m e t r i c
relation t h a t includes < , contains t h e pair (a, b), a n d respects logical
equivalence or continues up or down F over A~ is irreflexive. These consi-
derations suggest (though t h e y do n o t prove) t h a t q u o t i e n t connecte4
hierarchies over a t h e o r y A m a y , u n d e r suitable auxiliary conditions,
determine maxichoice contraction functions, a n d we now show t h a t
w h e n A is finite modulo Cn ( t h a t is, when t h e r e are only finitely m a n y
On the logic of theory cha~ge 417

elements a, b e A with Cn(a) r this is so. I n d e e d , we need n o t

require q u o t i e n t c o n n e c t i v i t y over t h e whole of A, b u t only over t h e
subset T of its top elements. B y a top element of A we m e a n an e l e m e n t
t e A such t h a t t r Cn(O) b u t whenever t ~ t' e A t h e n either t ' e Cn(O)
or Cn (t) = Cn (t'). To this we conjoin as a n auxiliary constraint a w e a k e n e d
f o r m of t h e continuing down condition: we say t h a t < reaches down
through A from T iff for all a ~ A, a n d t, t' e T, if a ~ t < t' b u t a non ~ t'
then a < t'.
OBSE~VAmIO~ 6.4..Let A be a theory finite modulo Cn and < a hierarchy
over A . Suppose that:
(a) < is guotient co~neeted over the set T of all tol~ dements of A , and
(b) < reaches down ~ through A from T.
Then the safe contraction function -- determined by < is a maxichoiee contrac-
tion function.
P~ooF. We need to show t h a t u n d e r t h e given conditions, A--'x
A _k x for all x ~ Cn (O). F i r s t we n o t e t h a t , i n d e p e n d e n t l y of t h e hypo-
theses (a) a n d (b), it will suffice to show t h a t whenever t, t' are top ele-
m e n t s of A with t, t' ~ A --x t h e n Cn (t) = Cn (t'). To see t h a t this will suffie%
suppose t h a t A : x ~ A Am for some x ~ Cn(O). Then x c A . a n d using
t h e c o m p a c t n e s s of Cn, t h e r e is a B e A I x with A - - x = ~ ; moreover
since A is a t h e o r y B is also a t h e o r y . Since A - - x c B, there is a b e B,
b r A - - x . Since A is finite modulo Cn, t h e r e are top elements b,, . . . , b,
of A such t h a t Cn(b) ~ Cn(b~A ... Ab,). Hence t h e r e is a top e l e m e n t
bi of A such t h a t b~ e B a n d b~ ~ A - - x . Similarly since ~ e A ~ x we h a v e
B non ~- x, a n d Cn(x) = Cn(X~A ... Am.,) for some top elements x,, . . . , m~
of A, so t h e r e is a top e l e m e n t x i w i t h xj. E A, xi ~ B. Then bi a n d x1 are
top elements of A, b o t h outside A - ' x , whilst since b~ e/~ a n d x~ t B
we have Cn(b~) ~ Cn(x~) as desired.
So, let t, t' be top elements of A with t, t' ~ A'--:-x. To complete t h e
proof we need to show, u n d e r t h e hypotheses (g) a n d (b)~ t h a t Cn (t) = Cn (t').
Suppose for reductio ad absu~dum t h a t Cn(t) ~: Cn(t'). Then b y condition
(a) either t ' < t or t < t'. We consider t h e former c~se; t h e l a t t e r is
similar.
Since t ~ A - - x ~ A /x a n d t e A , t is a m i n i m a l element of some m i n i m a l
subset B ~ A such t h a t B ~ x. B u t also, since t' e A we h a v e b y recovery
t h a t A - - x u { x } ~ t', so since t' is a t o p e l e m e n t either A-:-'x ~-t' or x ~-t ' ;
b y hypothesis t h e f o r m e r fails so x ~ t'. Thus B ~ x ~ t' a n d so since t'
is a top element of A, b ~ t' for some b e B. Since B is m i n i m a l a m o n g
t h e sets t h a t i m p l y x, a n d b, t e B we h a v e either b ~on ~ t or b = t. I n t h e
former case we h a v e b ~ t' < t a n d bnon ~ t so b y condition (b) we h a v e b < t..
contradicting t h e m i n i m a l i t y of t in B. A n d in t h e l a t t e r case we h a v e
t = b ~ t' so since t, t' are top elements Cn(t) = Cn(t') giving us a contra-
diction again . []
418 (Z E. Alclwurrdm, D. Mak~so~

The condition (a) of Observation 6.4 cannot be weakened to virtual

connectivity over T, or even modified to virtual connectivity over M1
of A. For it is evident t h a t the e m p t y relation is virtually connected over
A and moreover continues both up and down k over A, and yet determines
a safe contraction function which, as we have seen in Observation 3.4,
is the full meet contraction over A rather than a maxichoice contraction.

CO~OLLAI~u 6.5. Zet A be a theory finite modulo Cn, < a hierarchy over A ,
and : the safe contraction function over A determined by <. Suppose that:
(a) < is quotient connected over T, and
(b) < continues down ~ over A .
Then -- is a maxichoice contraction, satisfies both (--7) and ( - - 8 b and
satisfies the "decomposition condition" A - - (xA y) ~- A - - x or A - - (xA y)
= A--y.

P~ooF. Since < continues down ~ over A t h e n clearly < reaches

down k through A from T, so by 6.4 is a maxichoice contraction function.
Also, since < continues down ~ over A , by 5.3 -- satisfies the supplemen-
t a r y postulate ('--7). Finally, we know from [2] section 8 t h a t for maxi-
choice contraction functions, conditions (--7), (--'8) and the decomposition
condition are mutually equivalent. []

T h e proof of Observation 6.4, and thus of its Corollary 6.5, makes

essential use of the representation of an arSi~rary element of the theory
t h a t is not in Cn(O) as a conjunction of top elements, and so cannot
easily be generalized to cover theories infinite modulo Cn.

7. Contracting from different sets

So far we have been considering properties of safe contraction in

which the set A of propositions is held constant and the proposition
x is allowed to vary. For example, the supplementary postulate (--7)
is of this kind, relating A--XA y tO each of A - - x and A - - y by the inclusion
(A "--x)n(A-- y) ~_ A ' - - ( x n y ) . I n this section we shall t u r n to questions
t h a t arise when A is also allowed to vary.
I n the general context of arbitrary partial meet contractions, and
even in the specific case of maxiehoice contractions, it appears dif-
ficult to obtain results on such questions, unless special conditions
are imposed connecting the application of the selection function ~ to
A I x with its application to A ' ~ x for, say, A ' ~_ A , and it is not im-
mediately clear what conditions of this kind are pla.usible in terms of
t h e intuitive motivation. For this reason, no results of this kind were
O~ the logic of theovy change 419

included in [3]. B u t in t h e ease of safe contraction, t h e w a y of dealing

with variation of A is quite straightforward. As we are working with a rela-
tion < over A (rather t h a n over 2 4) t h e n a t u r a l relation to consider over
a s u b s e t A ' of A is simply t h e restriction < n ( A ' • of < to A',
a n d to simplify n o t a t i o n we shall refer to it b y t h e same s y m b o l < . I n
this section, we shall establish a general result relating A - - x to (A w 17) --x~
w h e n A is a t h e o r y and Y is an a r b i t r a r y set of propositions (equivalently,
relating A - - x to Z - - x w h e n A is a t h e o r y a n d A _c Z). We shall t h e n
a p p l y it to o b t a i n some "partial distrlbut 9 - i o n "~ properties on contraction
f r o m an intersection or u n i o n of theories, a n d also some properties of
"multiple contractions" ( A - - x ) - - y .
W e begin b y considering a question raised a n d left open in [2], section
4. There, a contraction function was called permutable iff ( A - - -7x)u{x}
= (A u{x}) -- -lx for all x, a n d it was suggested t h a t this was an i n t u i t i v e l y
plausible p r o p e r t y . We now show t h a t when < is a hierarchy over A w{x}
t h e n t h e a b o v e p e r m u t a t i o n equation holds for t h e safe contraction func-
tion d e t e r m i n e d b y < .

LE~ 7.1. Let A be a set of propositions, x a proposition, and < a hie-

rarchy over A u{x}. Then A / - ] x u { x } = (A w{x})/ -Ira.

PI~ooF. Suppose a ~ Z H S . Then a va x a n d either a ~ A or a is a minimal

e l e m e n t of some minimal B _~ A with B F 7 x . ]~ence either a ~ A u{x}
or B _ _ A u { x } so a t R H ~ .
:For t h e converse, s u p p o s e a ~ B H S . I f a ~ A w{x} t h e n a ~ L H 2 a n d
w e are done,, so suppose a e A w{x}. Then a is a minimal e l e m e n t of some
minimal B c A w{x} w i t h B ~ 7 x . B y t h e m i n i m a l i t y of B we clearly
h a v e m ~ B , s o B ~ _ A , so a ~ A / ' T x . Also a t x s i n c e a e B w h i l s t x ~ B 9
so a r L t t 2 . 9
O~SEI~VATI01~I 7.2. Let A be a set of propositions, x a proTosition, <
a hierarchy over A~J(x}, and -- ~he safe contraction funcgion over A w { x }
determined by <. Then ( A : -Tx)u{x} _ (Aw{x})-- -Tx, and i r a is a ~heory
then the converse inclusion also holds9

P~ooF. B y t h e definition of -- we n e e d to show t h a t (A n C n ( A / -lm)) u

U{x}___ ( A u { x } ) n C n ( A u { x } / - ] x ) . B y L e m m a 7.1 we k n o w t h a t t h e
t~HS of this inclusion equals ( A w { x } ) n C n ( A / - 7 x u { x } ) , so it remains
t o show t h a t this includes t h e L H 2 ; which clearly holds b y general pro-
perties of consequence operations.
F o r t h e converse, suppose t h a t A is a t h e o r y a n d a e R H S ; we n e e d
to show a e L g S . Then A / - ' l x u { x } b a ~nd either a = x or a e A . In
t h e former case we h a v e i m m e d i a t e l y a e L H S . I n t h e latter case, since A
is a t h e o r y we h a v e b y r e c o v e r y t h a t A / 7 x u { 7 x } F a, so t h a t A/"7m F a
a n d again a e . L H S as desired. 9
420 (7. E. Alehoq*rrdn, D. Ma~inson

COrOLLArY 7.3. J~et A be a set of propositions, x a proposition, ~ a hie-

rarchy over A u ( - ] x } ~ a n d - - the safe contraction function over A u { - l x }
determined by <. Then A - - x c A n ( ( A w { - l x } ) - - x ) ~ and i f A is a theory
then the converse inclusion also holds.
P~OOl~. I n t h e case -qx c A, t r i v i a l l y R H S = A n ( A - - x ) = A - - x
= L t t S . S u p p o se a l t e r n a t i v e l y t h a t 7 x ~ A. :Now b y 7.2~ s u b s t i t u t i n g -lx
for x, we h a v e ( A - - x ) w { Nx} c ( A w { -]x})--x, so since -Tx 6 A we h a v e
A : x = (A :x)u(A = A A n ((A
as desired. I f A is a t h e o r y t h e n b y 7.2 again we can ~ollow t h e r e v e r s e
chain. I
This last r e s u l t suggests t h e question: u n d e r w h a t conditions do we
h a v e m o r e generally t h a t A - - x = A n ( ( A u ~ ) - - x ) ? I n o t h e r words~
if A _ Z~ u n d e r w h a t conditions is A - - x = a n ( Z - - x ) ?
Ln)~v~ 7.4. Let A and ~ be sets of propositions, and < a hierarchy over
A u Y. Then:
(a) A n ( ( A u ~ ' ) l x ) ~_ A / x ;
(b) I f A is a theory] amd x c A and < continq~es down k over A then the
converse inclusion also holds.
F~OOF. :For (a)~ suppose a ~ A / x . I f a e~A we a r e done, so sul)pose
a c A. T h e n a is a m ~ i m a l e l e m e n t oi some m i n i m a l / ~ _c A w i t h B F x~
so B c A w:Y a n d thus a ~ A u Y / x as desired.
F o r (b), suppose x c A = Cn(A)~ < c o n t i n u e s d o w n k over A , a n d
a ~An(AuY)/x. I f a t A t h e n a ~ A / x as r e q u i r e d , so suppose a c A .
T h e n a is a mi ni m a l e l e m e n t of some m i n i m a l B ~ A w Y w i t h B F x.
:Now B = B l a B s , w he r e B~ c A a n d B 2 E ( A w Y ) - - A . P u t B + -- B l u
u { b v x : b c B~}. Since A is a t h e o r y a n d b y h y p o t h e s i s x c A we h a v e
each b v x e A, so B + c A. Clearly since B k x we h a v e B + F x, a n d cl earl y
too no p r o p e r subset of B + implies x. Since a c B a n d a c A we h a v e a c B~
c B +. An d finally~ a is m i n i m a l in B+, for we h a v e b z; a ~or ~ll b c B~
J~ au d we also h a v e b ~; a for all b c B~ _~ B~ so since < cont i nues dow n
9k over A , b v x ~: a for all b c B ~ . Thus a is a m i n i m a l e l e m e n t of a m i n i m a l
subset B + _~ A such t h a t B + ~ x~ a n d h e n c e a ~ A / x , as desired. I
OBSE~VAT~O~ 7.5. Let A be a theory~ ~ a set of propositions~ and <
a hierarchy over A u ~. Then:
(a) I f < continuesup F over A wTd t h e n A n ( ( A w ~ ) "--x) ~ A - - x ;
(b) I f x c A and < continues down k over A then conversely
A - - x ~_ A n ( ( A w X ) - - x ) .
P~oo~. F o r (a), we n e e d to show tha~ u n d e r t h e gi ven c o n d i t i o n
An((Au]~)nCn(AwY/x)) c C n ( A / x ) . B y L e m m a 7.4 (a) we h a v e C n ( A n
so w e n e e d o n l y s h o w
Suppose a c L H S . T h e n a c A a n d a~A ... ^ a n F a for some a ~ ...~ a n
On the logic of theory change ~2].

in A u Y / x . Then clearly ( a v a l ) A ... A(ava~) F a; a n d since a e A a n d

A is a t h e e r y we h a v e each a vat e A ~ A n Y . H e n c e b y L e m m a 4.1
since < continues up t- over A D Y a n d each a i e A w Y [ x a n d each a v a i
eAuY, we h a v e a v a i e A u Y / x . Thus each a v a i e A n ( ( A v Y ) / x ) so
desired.
:For (b), suppose x ~ A a n d < continues down F over A. We n e e d to
show Ca(A/x)~_ A c ~ ( ( A u ] [ ) n C n ( A u Y / x ) ) . Clearly t t H S = A n d n ( A u
w Y [ x ) . B y L e m m a 7.4 (b) we h a v e A / x ~_ A w Y [ x , so Cn(A[x) c_ C a ( A n
~) X /x). Also since A is a t h e o r y Cn (A /x) ~_ A so Cn (A [x) c_ A nCn (A w ~ /x)
as desired. []
F r o m this observation we can 4erive some "paxr distribution"
properties concerning safe contraction f r o m a n intersection or union
of ~heories:
COI~OLLAI~u 7.6. Zet (At}i~• be a non-empty collection of theories and
a hierarchy over their" union. Then:
( A a) I f < cominues up F over some Aj then

(('] b) I f x e (']~z(Ai} and< cominues dowq~ ~ over (']~z{A~} the~ con-

verse~y

( U ~) I f < continues up F over U~z{Ai} then

(U~{A~})--x ~_ U ~ { A ~ - x } ;
( U b) I f x e Ni~z{A~} and, < costinues dowu t- over each A~ then con-
versely
U~{A~--~} ~ (U~{A-3)-x.
S~cK o~ P~oo~. The verification is straightforward f r o m Obser-
vation 7.5, with a t t e n t i o n to ~he differences in the initial conditions:
p a r t s ( ~ b) and ( U b ) d e p e n d upon the assumption t h a t x e O~z{A~},
us t h e y are obtained using 7.5 (b), arid each of t h e lout parts of t h e corollary
requires a slightly different domain over which < is a s s u m e d to continue
up~ or down. []
Of course, Corollary 7.6 specializes to t h e case of b i n a r y interseetien
~nd union, a n d also to t h e case ~hat < continues b o t h up a n d down ever
~ r i o u s sets. ~ o r example, ii x e A ~ B a n d <: continues up b over A wB
a n d continues down over each o~ A~ B t h e n b o t h ( A n B ) - - x == ( A : x ) C ~
n(B--" x) and ( A u B ) - - x = ( A : x ) w ( B - - x). Observation 7.5 also yields
t h e following interesting coroll~ry on multiple contrnction:
CORO~A]r1657.7. Zet A be a theory~ < a hierarchy over A , and x, y propo-
sitions. Then:
~22 C. E. AlchourrSn, D. Makinson

(a) I f < continues up ~ over A then (A--y)(~(A--x) ~_ (A--y)'--x;

(b) I f x e A - - y and < continues down ~ over A "--y then conversely
( A - - y)-- x ~_ (A "--y)n(A: x).
The verification is immediate from 7.5, recalling t h a t when A is a theory
t h e n so too is A - - y . I n the special case t h a t < continues b o t h up and
down ~ over A, and both x e A - - y and y e A - - x , Corollary 7.7 gives
us t h e full equalities ( A - - y)-- x = ( A - - y)c~(A-- x) = (A - x ) - - y. Finally,
we note t h a t by combining Corollary 7.7 (b) with Observation 5.3 we
have immediately:
COIr165 7.8. Let A be a theory, < a hierarchy over A~ and x, y
l~ropositions. I f x e A d - y and < continq, es down ~ over A then ( A - y ) - - x
~_ A - - ( x ^ y ) .
By considering an example where < is the e m p t y relation over A,
it is easy to see t h a t t h e condition x e A § in Corollaries 7.7 (b) and
7.8 cannot be dropped.

Acknowledgements
The authors wish to t h a n k Peter G ~ d e n f o r s for his comments and
suggestions. Responsibility for the contents is born by the authors and
n o t by t h e institutions to which t h e y are attached.

References
[1] C. E. ALCEOUR~6~ and D. I~IAKnVSON,Hierarchies of regulatioq~s and their logic,
in: N e w Studies in Deon$ic Logic, ed. R. Itilpinen, D. Reidel, Dordrecht,
1981, PP- 125-148.
[2] C. E. ALcI~otn~I~6~ and D. HAKINSON, On the logic of theory change: contraction
t functions and their associated revision functioq~s, Thcoria 48 (1982), pp. 14-37.
[3] C. E. ALCHOURR6N, P. G ~ D v . ~ o ~ s and D. HAKI~so~, On the logic of theory
change: partial meet contraction and revision fq~nctions, The Journal o[ Symbolic
Logic 50 (1985), pp. 510-530.
[4] P. G&RI)EI~FORS,Eplstem~c importance and minimal cha~ge of belief, Australasian
Journal of Philosophy 62 (1984), pp. 136-157.
[5] P. G ~ I ) ~ O R S , !P,pistemie importance and the logic of theory change, in Founda-
$iona of Logic and Linguistics, ed. P. Weing~rtner and G. Dorn, D. Reidel,
Dordrecht, lorthcoming.
[6] D. ]~IAKI~SON, How to give it up: a survey of some formal aspects of the logic of
theory change, Synthese, 62 (1985), pp. 347-363.

~ A C U L D A D DE D E R E C H O DIVISION OF PHILOSOPHY
UNIVERSIDAD DE ~ U E N O S AIRES A N D IIUY~A~ SCI~,NCES
~RGENTIIqA UNESCO, PARIS
FRANC]~

~ec~ved September 2, 1984

Stadia JSogica X L I V ,