Veristic variables

We distinguish between variables having only one solution (possibilistic) and those allowing multiple solutions (veristic). A representation of information contained in statements involving veristic variables is presented. Using this representation we begin to develop a structure for the manipulation of knowledge involving variables that can have multiple solutions. The verity distribution is introduced to capture information about these variables. We show how to combine information involving veristic variables. We study qualified and quantified statements as well as the entailment and extension principles in this framework.