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Rational closure

Rational closure is a logical method used to determine the most reasonable conclusions from a set of rules and facts, especially when some statements are typical but not absolute. It helps in handling everyday reasoning where exceptions exist—like "birds typically fly," but "penguins" don't. The process adds the most natural and consistent assumptions to fill in gaps without contradicting known information. Essentially, rational closure organizes and prioritizes rules so we can infer sensible conclusions even when faced with incomplete or typical knowledge, supporting intelligent decision-making in complex situations.