A logic-based approach to conflict resolution

Many real world conflicts can be understood in terms of logical inconsistencies between goals. In this paper, I present an approach to conflict resolution that unifies logic, goalreduction and condition-action rules in a cognitive model of intelligent agent. The approach uses goal hierarchies to reconcile goal conflicts by finding alternative, logically consistent ways of solving higher-level goals. It also incorporates the use of decision theory to decide between different solutions, in the attempt to optimise their expected utility. To illustrate and test the power and generality of the approach, I investigate two applications: the prisoner's dilemma and the Agha-Malley proposed solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.