<OT> New Posting: ROA-562

[roa@equinox.rutgers.edu]

ROA 562-1102

Arguing Optimality

Alan Prince <prince@ruccs.rutgers.edu>

Direct link: http://roa.rutgers.edu/view.php3?roa=562


Abstract:

Ranking and optimality are based on pairwise comparisons between a
desired optimum and its competitors. The 'comparative tableau'
identifies the elements that figure in the ranking arguments derived 
from such comparisons. Precisely keyed to the logic of the theory, 
comparative representation makes it straightforward to present and 
evaluate ranking claims; to find redundancies, non-obvious 
consequences, and contradictions in sets of ranking arguments; to 
employ the constraint demotion algorithms; to efficiently determine 
universal suboptimal status; and to assess the explanatory role of 
individual constraints in particular analyses. 
....
This paper revises Prince 2000:ROA-376, itself a revision of 
Prince 1998:ROA-288.

Keywords: ranking argument, inconsistency, harmonic bounding, constraint
demotion

Areas: Formal Analysis

Direct link: http://roa.rutgers.edu/view.php3?roa=562