A Bayesian Approach to Automating Argumentation

Our argumentation system NAG uses Bayesian networks in a user model and in a normative model to assemble and assess nice arguments, that is arguments which balance persuasive- ness with normative correctness. Attentional focus is simulated in both models to select relevant subnetworks for Bayesian propaga- tion. Bayesian propagation in the user model is modified to represent some human cognitive weaknesses. The subnetworks are expanded in an iterative abductlye process until argumen- tative goals are achieved in both models, when the argument is presented to the user