Herbrand interpretation
Encyclopedia
In mathematical logic
, a Herbrand interpretation is an interpretation
in which all constants and function symbols are assigned very simple meanings. Specifically, every constant is interpreted as itself, and every function symbol is interpreted as the function
that applies it. The interpretation also defines predicate symbols as denoting a subset of the relevant Herbrand base, effectively specifying which ground atoms are true in the interpretation. This allows the symbols in a set of clauses to be interpreted in a purely syntactic
way, separated from any real instantiation.
The importance of Herbrand interpretations is that, if any interpretation satisfies a given set of clauses S then there is a Herbrand interpretation that satisfies them. Moreover, Herbrand's theorem states that if S is unsatisfiable then there is a finite unsatisfiable set of ground instances from the Herbrand universe defined by S. Since this set is finite, its unsatisfiability can be verified in finite time. However there may be an infinite number of such sets to check.
It is named after Jacques Herbrand
.
Mathematical logic
Mathematical logic is a subfield of mathematics with close connections to foundations of mathematics, theoretical computer science and philosophical logic. The field includes both the mathematical study of logic and the applications of formal logic to other areas of mathematics...
, a Herbrand interpretation is an interpretation
Interpretation (logic)
An interpretation is an assignment of meaning to the symbols of a formal language. Many formal languages used in mathematics, logic, and theoretical computer science are defined in solely syntactic terms, and as such do not have any meaning until they are given some interpretation...
in which all constants and function symbols are assigned very simple meanings. Specifically, every constant is interpreted as itself, and every function symbol is interpreted as the function
Function (mathematics)
In mathematics, a function associates one quantity, the argument of the function, also known as the input, with another quantity, the value of the function, also known as the output. A function assigns exactly one output to each input. The argument and the value may be real numbers, but they can...
that applies it. The interpretation also defines predicate symbols as denoting a subset of the relevant Herbrand base, effectively specifying which ground atoms are true in the interpretation. This allows the symbols in a set of clauses to be interpreted in a purely syntactic
Syntax
In linguistics, syntax is the study of the principles and rules for constructing phrases and sentences in natural languages....
way, separated from any real instantiation.
The importance of Herbrand interpretations is that, if any interpretation satisfies a given set of clauses S then there is a Herbrand interpretation that satisfies them. Moreover, Herbrand's theorem states that if S is unsatisfiable then there is a finite unsatisfiable set of ground instances from the Herbrand universe defined by S. Since this set is finite, its unsatisfiability can be verified in finite time. However there may be an infinite number of such sets to check.
It is named after Jacques Herbrand
Jacques Herbrand
Jacques Herbrand was a French mathematician who was born in Paris, France and died in La Bérarde, Isère, France. Although he died at only 23 years of age, he was already considered one of "the greatest mathematicians of the younger generation" by his professors Helmut Hasse, and Richard Courant.He...
.
See also
- Herbrand structure
- Interpretation (logic)Interpretation (logic)An interpretation is an assignment of meaning to the symbols of a formal language. Many formal languages used in mathematics, logic, and theoretical computer science are defined in solely syntactic terms, and as such do not have any meaning until they are given some interpretation...
- Interpretation (model theory)Interpretation (model theory)In model theory, interpretation of a structure M in another structure N is a technical notion that approximates the idea of representing M inside N. For example every reduct or definitional expansion of a structure N has an interpretation in N.Many model-theoretic properties are preserved under...