Mediation using m-states

Abstract

Model-based propositional belief merging operators are constructed from distances between the interpretations, or states, of the logic under consideration. In this paper we extend the notion of a distance between interpretations to generalised versions of propositional interpretations referred to as m-states. m-states allow for the definition of m-merging operators, which are generalisations of classical model-based merging operators. We show how m-merging, combined with appropriate measures of satisfaction, can be used to construct a logical framework for agent mediation: a process of intervening between parties with conflicting demands to facilitate a compromise. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.