Semantic aspects of default reasoning

Semantic aspects of default reasoning involve understanding how we draw typical or common conclusions based on general knowledge, while allowing for exceptions. It’s about capturing the meaning behind rules like “birds usually fly,” recognizing that such rules are not absolute—some birds, like penguins, do not. This reasoning process interprets the "meaning" of these defaults in context, enabling us to make reasonable assumptions when specific information is missing. In essence, it reflects how natural language and everyday understanding handle generalizations with mindful flexibility, balancing typical cases against potential exceptions.