On Keys and Functional Dependencies as First-Class Citizens in Description Logics

We investigate whether identification constraints such as keys and functional dependencies can be granted full status as a concept constructor in a Boolean-complete description logic. In particular, we show that surprisingly simple forms of such constraints lead to undecidability of the associated logical implication problem if they are allowed within the scope of a negation or on the left-hand-side of inclusion dependencies. We then show that allowing a very general form of identification constraints to occur in the scope of monotone concept constructors on the right-hand-side of inclusion dependencies still leads to decidable implication problems. Finally, we consider the relationship between certain classes of identification constraints and nominals.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: CADE
• Authors: David Toman, Grant E. Weddell
• Keywords: Associated Logical Implication, Automated Reasoning, Boolean-complete Description Logic, CADE 2006, Identification Constraints