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Finding Shortest Proofs: An Application of Linked Inference Rules

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Abstract

In this article, we describe a procedure for systematically searching for shortest proofs in logical systems based on the inference rule condensed detachment. The procedure relies on applications of linked UR-resolution and uses demodulation to categorize derivations. Although the procedure is exhaustive in nature – and therefore realistically is applicable only to relatively small problems – it is shown to overcome the obstacles to finding shortest proofs presented by ordinary resolution-style theorem proving.

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Veroff, R. Finding Shortest Proofs: An Application of Linked Inference Rules. Journal of Automated Reasoning 27, 123–139 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010635625063

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010635625063

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