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Partial information basis for agent-based collaborative dialogue

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Abstract

We propose a partial information state-based framework for collaborative dialogue and argument between agents. We employ a three-valued based nonmonotonic logic, NML3, for representing and reasoning about Partial Information States (PIS). NML3 formalizes some aspects of revisable reasoning and it is sound and complete. Within the framework of NML3, we present a formalization of some basic dialogue moves and the rules of protocols of some types of dialogue. The rules of a protocol are nonmonotonic in the sense that the set of propositions to which an agent is committed and the validity of moves vary from one move to another. The use of PIS allows an agent to expand consistently its viewpoint with some of the propositions to which another agent, involved in a dialogue, is overtly committed. A proof method for the logic NML3 has been successfully implemented as an automatic theorem prover. We show, via some examples, that the tableau method employed to implement the theorem prover allows an agent, absolute access to every stage of a proof process. This access is useful for constructive argumentation and for finding cooperative and/or informative answers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Linguistic, Faculty of Arts, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

    Asma Moubaiddin

  2. Computer Information Systems, University of Jordan, King Abdullah II School for Information Technology, Amman, 11941, Jordan

    Nadim Obeid

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  1. Asma Moubaiddin
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  2. Nadim Obeid
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Correspondence to Nadim Obeid.

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Moubaiddin, A., Obeid, N. Partial information basis for agent-based collaborative dialogue. Appl Intell 30, 142–167 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10489-007-0108-5

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