E-Resolution: Extension of Resolution to Include the Equality Relation

The E-Resolution inference principle described in this paper is a single-inference logic system for the first-order predicate calculus with equality. Special axioms for equality (i.e., axioms for symmetry, reflexivity, transitivity, and substituti - vity) are not required to be added to the original set of clauses. Other advantages of E-Resolution are the relatively small number of intermediate clauses which must be retained in a proof and the distinct possibility that search strategies suitable for Resolution will also be suitable for E-Resolution.Although it is not known whether or not E-Resolution is complete, this topic is currently being investigated by the author.