I have used logic for specification of security policies in a security model. One of my reviewers asked a question that "why did you use logic and not algebra for this purpose, and what is your justification?". The first answer that comes to my mind is that algebra is more suitable for using in modelling the behaviour (dynamic aspects). For example for specification of security protocols. However, logic is more suitable for specification of properties (static aspects). For example for specification of the security properties we require to satisfy in a computing environment, or the security properties we desire to be satisfied in a security protocol. In other words, algebra is suitable to say HOW, but logic is suitable to say WHAT.
My questions regarding this issue are:
- Is my initial answer to this question correct or not?
- What are the other answers for this question
- What are the main references describing where we should use logic, and where we should use algebra in their applications in computer science?