Partial Deductive Closure: Logical Simulation and Management Science

Jaap Kamps and Michael Masuch
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Jaap Kamps: Applied Logic Laboratory, University of Amsterdam, Sarphatistr 143, 1018 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Michael Masuch: Applied Logic Laboratory, University of Amsterdam, Sarphatistr 143, 1018 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Management Science, 1997, vol. 43, issue 9, 1229-1245

Abstract: This research is part of a larger effort to build machine-based tools for developing scientific theories. In analogy with the research process in empirical research, we describe a logical cycle of theory development: (1) starting with an informal version of a theory, (2) then moving to its formal representation, (3) applying formal logic to investigate this representation, and (4) using the results as feedback for the update/revision of the original theory. A central aspect of the logical cycle is the detection of the (hidden) implications of a theory (called "partial deductive closure"). In this paper, we present an algorithm that performs the partial deductive closure for a relevant class of theorems, while filtering out trivial results. The algorithm is applied to an important organization theory, Organizational Ecology, and is shown to generate new theorems of interest.

Keywords: organizational ecology; theory-building; logic modeling; automated deduction; artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1997
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:43:y:1997:i:9:p:1229-1245

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