Defaults as first-class citizens

A nonmonotonic logic with explicit defaults, NML3, is presented. It is characterized by the following features: (1) the use of the strong Kleene three-valued logic as a basis; (2) the addition of an explicit default operator which enables distinguishing tentative conclusions from ordinary conclusions in the object language; and (3) the use of the idea of preferential entailment to generate nonmonotonic behavior. The central feature of the formalism, the use of an explicit default operator with a model-theoretic semantics based on the notion of a partial interpretation, distinguishes NML3 from most previous formalisms. By capitalizing on the distinction between tentative and ordinary conclusions, NML3 provides increased expressibility in comparison to many of the standard nonmonotonic formalisms and greater flexibility in the representation of subtle aspects of default reasoning. This is shown through examples.<>