This is an advanced 2001 textbook on modal logic, a field which caught the attention of computer scientists in the late 1970s. Researchers in areas ranging from economics to computational linguistics have since realised its worth. The book is for novices and for more experienced readers, with two distinct tracks clearly signposted at the start of each chapter. The development is mathematical; prior acquaintance with first-order logic and its semantics is assumed, and familiarity with the basic mathematical notions of set theory is required. The authors focus on the use of modal languages as tools to analyze the properties of relational structures, including their algorithmic and algebraic aspects, and applications to issues in logic and computer science such as completeness, computability and complexity are considered. Three appendices supply basic background information and numerous exercises are provided. Ideal for anyone wanting to learn modern modal logic.

‘This book is undoubtedly going to be the definitive book on modal logic for years to come.’

M. Vardi - Rice University

‘… will take you from ground level to one of the best vista points on modal logic today. The authors are expert guides: they know the land from first-hand research experience, but they are committed to taking all newcomers there as well.’

Johan van Bentem - University of Amsterdam

‘… this is an excellent book, targeting a broad audience including logicians, computer scientists, mathematicians and philosophers. It can serve very well both as a graduate textbook, taking a beginner with sufficient logical maturity and interest in the subject well into the expert level, and as a state-of-the-art reference on the main aspects, results, methods, and literature on contemporary modal logic for the experienced researchers. And, much of it can be read just for fun.’

Source: Studia Logica