Inferences with Ignorance: Logics of Questions

Inferences with Ignorance focuses on two formal logic systems that employ the type of inferences in which questions are used in addition to statements. Not merely capturing questions as part of a logical apparatus, Michal Peliš also emphasizes the role of question-asking in communication. The book presents options for formalizing questions using sets of “direct answers,” demonstrates where questions are used in inferences, and explores asking questions and seeking answers as important components of everyday communication, proposing ways of using questions within a formal system that can capture a change in knowledge during this simple communication.

Let me start with the praise: in my opinion this book offers an important contribution to the logic of questions. The Author considers two current influential paradigms: Inferential Erotetic Logic (IEL) and dynamic approaches to the logic of questions. In the case of IEL he proposes some interesting enrichments. In the case of dynamic framework his contribution is even more substantial, as he outlines - and to some extent develops - a new account on 'dynamization' of this logic, with a particular focus on communication processes. I am fully convinced that this book shall become one of the most often cited publications in the field.
The book is full of important insights which open new prospects for research in the logic of questions. Despite some weak points, which can be easily corrected, my opinion on Dr. Peliš work is highly positive.

Mariusz Urbański