In this book we study the Deontic Logic of the Talmud. We find the system is different from the formal deontic logical system currently used in the general scientific community, both in its ethical aspects as well as in its legal aspects. We show that the Talmudic distinctions between Obligations and Prohibitions are not based on the manner of execution of actions (positive action or lack of action) and offer a suitable model for such distinctions.Our model distinguishes between the normative and practical aspects of the Talmudic legal and ethical argumentation and discusses several applications and clarifications to current so called paradoxes of Deontic Logic as related to Contrary to Duties and to legal and ethical practical decision making.

We analyse the three basic non-deductive rules of Talmudic inference; namely Kal Vachomer (Argumentum A Fortiori) and the two kinds of Binyan Av (Analogy and Induction). We construct a unified Matrix Abduction model which explains all the major instances of these rules in the Talmud.

This book puts forward new logical systems suitable for modelling Talmudic and Biblical reasoning and argumentation. The Talmud is very logical. It is said that when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, He also gave him additional laws and rules of logic to enable human beings to derive more laws. Together with colleagues the authors have already written 8 books on the logic of the Talmud and the project will involve 15-20 volumes. The authors have discovered principles which can be exported to current research in scientific communities, as well as human common sense reasoning and laws as tackled by religious thinking. Topics in this book include: 1 Non-deductive Inference in the Talmud: The book includes a new topological matrix method for analogical reasoning, completely new to existing AI methods which rely on metric distances. 2 The Textual Inference Rules Klal uPrat. How the Bible Defines Sets: Traditional set theoretic methods for defining sets are either by enumeration of its elements or by a predicate formula. The biblical way is a common sense combination of the two, approximating the set from above and from below by predicates, supplemented by a small number of typical members of the set. 3 Talmudic Deontic Logic: The Talmud has its own Deontic Logic, free of the traditional paradoxes. 4 Temporal Logic in the Talmud: The Talmud allows for special conditionals with antecedents depending on the future and consequents valid in the present. This new type of logic allows for backwards causality and connects with aspects of Quantum Logic. 5 Resolution of Conflicts and Normative Loops in the Talmud: The book deals with Talmudic loop checking methods that can be widely applied to handling loops in AI and logic. 6 Delegation and Representation in Talmudic Logic: Talmudic systems of delegation are innovative and apply to modern day to day computer delegation and access control. This book is of great interest to researchers in AI and Law, in Argumentation theory, and in Pure and Applied logical systems, as well as students of Talmudic reasoning and debate.