On Reduction-Based Process Semantics

A formulation of semantic theories for processes which is based on reduction relation and equational reasoning is studied. The new construction can induce meaningful theories for processes, both in strong and weak settings. The resulting theories in many cases coincide with, and sometimes generalise, observation-based formulation of behavioural equivalence. The basic construction of reduction-based theories is studied, taking a simple name passing calculus called-calculus as an example. Results on other calculi are also brieey discussed.