Modal Logic: An Introduction (Paperback)

~ (Author) "In this chapter we introduce the subject of modal logic by surveying some of the main features of the system of modal logic known as..." (more)
Key Phrases: canonical standard model, canonical minimal model, six distinct modalities (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A textbook on modal logic, intended for readers already acquainted with the elements of formal logic, containing nearly 500 exercises. Brian F. Chellas provides a systematic introduction to the principal ideas and results in contemporary treatments of modality, including theorems on completeness and decidability. Illustrative chapters focus on deontic logic and conditionality. Modality is a rapidly expanding branch of logic, and familiarity with the subject is now regarded as a necessary part of every philosopher's technical equipment. Chellas here offers an up-to-date and reliable guide essential for the student.

Book Description

An introductory textbook on modal logic the logic of necessity and possibility.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 29, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521295157
• ISBN-13: 978-0521295154
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #430,419 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to modal logic, August 6, 2000

By	Thomas G. Kabele "thomaskabele" (New Canaan, CT USA) - See all my reviews

Modal logic is the logic of necessity and possibility. It includes "deontic logic" - the logic of duty (and the logic of the law), plus epistemic logic. Modal logic is a simplified form of the first order predicate logic.

The text explains the various axioms of modal logic -- such as "M, C, K, N, P" Other texts include Sally Popkorn (emphasis on semantics), and Hughes & Cresswell (slighly more advanced).

5.0 out of 5 stars a very nice book, August 27, 2009

By	Pedestrian "W" (Saint Louis, United States) - See all my reviews

This is my favorite introduction to modal logic book. It's written in a lively style (for a logic text) without sacrificing accuracy. It covers all the basics that you need to get a good start in modal logic. The many exercises allow you to pick and choose the right ones for your level. One bit of advice: to use this book you should probably have at least an intermediate level of logic proficiency (by which I mean a good grasp of metatheory). Anybody who has only had one or two logic classes might find parts of the book frustrating and most likely won't appreciate everything the book has to offer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to 0th order Modal Logic, July 5, 2009

By	Dante Cardoso Pinto Almeida (Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Some notation and terminology is outdated, but Chellas' "Introduction to Modal Logic" is still the best choice to start learning modal logic.
It covers all remarkable topics in the subject.