Dyadic obligations: proofs and countermodels via hypersequents

Abstract

The basic system E of dyadic deontic logic proposed by Åqvist offers a simple solution to contrary-to-duty paradoxes and allows to represent norms with exceptions. We investigate E from a proof-theoretical viewpoint. We propose a hypersequent calculus with good properties, the most important of which is cut-elimination, and the consequent subformula property. The calculus is refined to obtain a decision procedure for E and an effective countermodel computation in case of failure of proof search. Using the refined calculus, we prove that validity in E is Co-NP and countermodels have polynomial size