Invited Paper: A Rational Defense of Reasonable Reflection (at LICS 2026)

Authors: Nada Amin

Open access: https://doi.org/10.4230/LIPIcs.LICS.2026.1

Abstract

Computational reflection is the ability of a system to inspect and modify itself. It has resisted static reasoning, especially in reflective languages, where semantics can change during program execution. We argue that reflection should be revisited in light of progress in verification and large language models. By requiring reflective modifications to carry proofs, it becomes possible to prove system properties even for reflective systems. This "reasonable reflection" could open up new ways of organizing self-improving systems.

BibTeX

  @InProceedings{Amin-ARationalDefenseofR,
    author = 	 {Nada Amin},
    title = 	 {A Rational Defense of Reasonable Reflection},
    booktitle =  {Proceedings of the Forty-First Annual Symposium on Logic in Computer Science (LICS 2026)},
    year =	 {2026},
    month =	 {July}, 
    pages =      {1:1--1:5},
    location =   {Lisbon, Portugal}, 
    note =       {Invited Talk},
    publisher =	 {Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik},
    doi =        {10.4230/LIPIcs.LICS.2026.1}
  }