On the consequences of acting in the presence of inconsistency
Bashar Nuseibeh, Alessandra Russo · 1998
Managing inconsistency in specifications covers a range of activities from consistency checking and inconsistency analysis to inconsistency handling through action. In this paper we argue that inconsistency analysis is insufficient to determine the choice of actions to take in the presence of inconsistency. Rather, we propose that some form of `hypothetical reasoning' is needed in order to determine the consequences of different actions and thereby facilitate the decision-making process. We suggest some logic-based techniques and associated heuristics for analysing the consequences of acting in the presence of inconsistency. 1. Inconsistencies in specifications Deciding what action to take in the presence of inconsistency is difficult. Most researchers agree that eradicating inconsistency in specifications is a desirable and worthy goal, but there is an emerging view that it may also be acceptable to live with inconsistency in certain circumstances or for transient periods of time [...