Deontic logic: a concise overview

Abstract

In this paper we shall give a short (and incomplete) historic overview of the branch of modal logic that is concerned with (reasoning about) norms and normative behaviour, viz. deontic logic. Typically, deontic logic has operators for deontic / normative modalities such as prohibition, permission and obligation. The paper is meant as an introduction to the more advanced papers that appear in the book.