Classification and deontic explosion for contrary-to-duty obligations
Logic
2026-04-21 v1 Logic in Computer Science
Abstract
Carmo and Jones have presented a sequence of candidate axiom systems for conditional obligation between 1997 and 2022. For their most recent system we demonstrate a limited form of deontic explosion: given that a student does not get the highest possible grade on a test, any other passing grade is acceptable. In addition to that negative result, we give a positive one: revisiting the strongest version of Carmo and Jones' 1997 system, we provide a surprising classification of all satisfying models in terms of a single forbidden possible world.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2604.17703,
title = {Classification and deontic explosion for contrary-to-duty obligations},
author = {Bjørn Kjos-Hanssen},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.17703},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
Studia Logica, to appear