Deriving explanations from causal information

International audienceWe define an inference system to capture explanations based on causal statements, using an ontology in the form of an $IS$-$A$ hierarchy. We introduce a simple logical language which makes it possible to express that a fact causes another fact and that a fact explains another fact. We present a set of formal inference patterns from causal statements to explanation statements. We introduce an elementary ontology which gives greater expressiveness to the system while staying close to propositional reasoning. We provide an inference system that captures the patterns discussed, in a datalog (limited predicate) framework