Answer Set Optimization

We investigate the combination of answer set pro­ gramming and qualitative optimization techniques. Answer set optimization programs (ASO pro­ grams) have two parts. The generating program produces answer sets representing possible solutions. The preference program expresses user preferences. It induces a preference relation on the answer sets of based on the degree to which rules are satisfied. We discuss possible applications of ASO program­ ming, give complexity results and propose imple­ mentation techniques. We also analyze the relation­ ship between A SO programs and CP-networks.