Optimality Theory (OT) is a theoretical framework for the formal expression of conflict resolution among linguistic patterns. The major architects of OT are Alan Prince and Paul Smollensky. See Rutgers Optimality Archive.

My papers "Fields of Attraction in Phonology" in Goldsmith ed. (1993) The Last Phonological Rule, and "On the Bases of Radical Underspecification" (199.) in Natural Language and  Linguistic Theory are relevant for OT considerations. The first one proposes a crude version of the mechanism of weight assignment for capturing conflict resolution.

If you are interested in my views on the conceptual aspects of OT, you may take a look at my answer to the question Is OT a Theory? and My Reaction to OT.