Generalized Multi-Context Systems

ABSTRACT. Multi-context systems (MCSs) define a versatile framework for integrating and reasoning about knowledge from different (heterogeneous) sources. In MCSs, different types of non-monotonic reasoning are characterized by different semantics such as equilibrium semantics and grounded equilibrium semantics [Brewka and Eiter, 2007].

We introduce a novel semantics of MCSs, a supported equilibrium semantics. Our semantics is based on a new notion of support. The ``strength'' of supports determines a spectrum of semantics that, in particular, contains the equilibrium and grounded equilibrium semantics. In this way, our supported equilibrium semantics generalizes these previously defined semantics. Moreover, the ``strength'' of supports gives us a measure to compare different semantics of MCSs.