On the Existence of Characterization Logics and Fundamental Properties of Argumentation Semantics

Given the large variety of existing logical formalisms it is of utmost importance to select the most adequate one for a specific purpose, e.g. for representing the knowledge relevant for a particular application or for using the formalism as a modeling tool for problem solving. Awareness of the nature of a logical formalism, in other words, of its fundamental intrinsic properties, is indispensable and provides the basis of an informed choice. One such intrinsic property of logic-based knowledge representation languages is the context-dependency of pieces of knowledge. In classical propositional logic, for example, there is no such context-dependence: whenever two sets of formulas are equivalent in the sense of having the same models (ordinary equivalence), then they are mutually replaceable in arbitrary contexts (strong equivalence). However, a large number of commonly used formalisms are not like classical logic which leads to a series of interesting developments. It turned out that sometimes, to characterize strong equivalence in formalism L, we can use ordinary equivalence in formalism L0: for example, strong equivalence in normal logic programs under stable models can be characterized by the standard semantics of the logic of here-and-there. Such results about the existence of characterizing logics has rightly been recognized as important for the study of concrete knowledge representation formalisms and raise a fundamental question: Does every formalism have one? In this thesis, we answer this question with a qualified “yes”. More precisely, we show that the important case of considering only finite knowledge bases guarantees the existence of a canonical characterizing formalism. Furthermore, we argue that those characterizing formalisms can be seen as classical, monotonic logics which are uniquely determined (up to isomorphism) regarding their model theory. The other main part of this thesis is devoted to argumentation semantics which play the flagship role in Dung’s abstract argumentation theory. Almost all of them are motivated by an easily understandable intuition of what should be acceptable in the light of conflicts. However, although these intuitions equip us with short and comprehensible formal definitions it turned out that their intrinsic properties such as existence and uniqueness, expressibility, replaceability and verifiability are not that easily accessible. We review the mentioned properties for almost all semantics available in the literature. In doing so we include two main axes: namely first, the distinction between extension-based and labelling-based versions and secondly, the distinction of different kind of argumentation frameworks such as finite or unrestricted ones

Set- and Graph-theoretic Investigations in Abstract Argumentation

Abstract argumentation roots to similar parts in philosophy, linguistics and artificial intelligence. The core (syntactic) notions of argument and attack are commonly visualized via digraphs, as nodes and directed edges, respectively. Semantic evaluation functions then provide a meaning of acceptance (i.e. acceptable sets of arguments also called extensions) for any such abstract argumentation structure. In this thesis, for the very first time, we tackle the questions of acceptance and conflict from a graph- and set-theoretic point of view. We elaborate on the interspace between syntactic conflict/independence (defined by attack structure) and their semantic counterparts (defined by joint acceptance of arguments). Graph theory regards the filters and techniques we use to, respectively, categorize and describe abstract argumentation structures. Set theory regards the issues we have to deal with particularly for non-finite argument sets. For argumentation in the arbitrarily infinite case this thesis can and should be seen as reference work. For the matter of conflicts in abstract argumentation we further provide a solid base and formal framework for future research. All in all, this is a mathematicians view on abstract argumentation, deepening the field of conception and widening the angle of applicability

Argumentation in biology : exploration and analysis through a gene expression use case

Argumentation theory conceptualises the human practice of debating. Implemented as computational argumentation it enables a computer to perform a virtual debate. Using existing knowledge from research into argumentation theory, this thesis investigates the potential of computational argumentation within biology. As a form of non-monotonic reasoning, argumentation can be used to tackle inconsistent and incomplete information - two common problems for the users of biological data. Exploration of argumentation shall be conducted by examining these issues within one biological subdomain: in situ gene expression information for the developmental mouse. Due to the complex and often contradictory nature of biology, occasionally it is not apparent whether or not a particular gene is involved in the development of a particular tissue. Expert biological knowledge is recorded, and used to generate arguments relating to this matter. These arguments are presented to the user in order to help him/her decide whether or not the gene is expressed. In order to do this, the notion of argumentation schemes has been borrowed from philosophy, and combined with ideas and technologies from arti cial intelligence. The resulting conceptualisation is implemented and evaluated in order to understand the issues related to applying computational argumentation within biology. Ultimately, this work concludes with a discussion of Argudas - a real world tool developed for the biological community, and based on the knowledge gained during this work

Informal Logic: A 'Canadian' Approach to Argument

The informal logic movement began as an attempt to develop – and teach – an alternative logic which can account for the real life arguing that surrounds us in our daily lives – in newspapers and the popular media, political and social commentary, advertising, and interpersonal exchange. The movement was rooted in research and discussion in Canada and especially at the University of Windsor, and has become a branch of argumentation theory which intersects with related traditions and approaches (notably formal logic, rhetoric and dialectics in the form of pragma-dialectics). In this volume, some of the best known contributors to the movement discuss their views and the reasoning and argument which is informal logic’s subject matter. Many themes and issues are explored in a way that will fuel the continued evolution of the field. Federico Puppo adds an insightful essay which considers the origins and development of informal logic and whether informal logicians are properly described as a “school” of thought. In considering that proposition, Puppo introduces readers to a diverse range of essays, some of them previously published, others written specifically for this volume

Towards a sociology of ethics and morality: a comparison between Jürgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann.

Lo, Kai Ching.Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 214-221).Abstracts in English and Chinese.Acknowledgement --- p.viAbstract --- p.viiiINTRODUCTION --- p.1Chapter I. --- The Problem: A Brief Introduction --- p.1Chapter I.a. --- Research Problems --- p.1Chapter I.b. --- The Subject Matters --- p.2Chapter I.e. --- Conceptualization of the Subject Matters --- p.3Chapter I.d. --- "The Orientation of the Research: Habermas, Luhmann, and Theory" --- p.6Chapter I.e. --- Outline of the Research Result --- p.13Chapter II. --- The Context --- p.17Chapter II.a. --- Ethics and Morality in Modern Society --- p.17Chapter II.b. --- Ethics and Morality in Sociology --- p.19Chapter II.b.l. --- Durkheim and Weber: Conception of Ethics and Morality --- p.20Chapter II.b.2. --- Successions and Revisions of Durkheim's and Weber's Perspectives --- p.25Chapter II.b.3. --- Habermas's and Luhmann's Breakthrough --- p.29Chapter III. --- The Framework --- p.31Chapter III.a. --- The Use of Metatheory --- p.31Chapter III.b. --- The Limitation of this thesis --- p.33Chapter PART I. --- HABERMAS AND LUHMANN AS THE EXEMPLARS OF SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES OF ETHICS AND MORALITY --- p.35Chapter Chapter 1: --- Habermas's Discourse Ethics and The Theory of Communicative Action --- p.37Chapter 1.1. --- Discourse Ethics --- p.38Chapter 1.1.1. --- Discourse Ethics as the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.40Chapter 1.1.2. --- The Logic of Discourse Ethics --- p.46Chapter 1.1.3. --- Morality and Ethical Life: From Philosophy and Politics to Sociology --- p.53Chapter 1.2. --- The Theory of Communicative Action: The Sociological Foundation of Discourse Ethics --- p.61Chapter 1.2.1. --- The Paradox of Rationalization and the Paradigmatic Change --- p.63Chapter 1.2.2. --- Universal Pragmatics: The Foundation of Moral Order --- p.65Chapter 1.2.3. --- Communicative Rationality and the Life world: The Redemption of Moral Order --- p.71Chapter 1.2.4. --- Communicative Action and Strategic Action: The Possibility of Immorality --- p.75Chapter 1.2.5. --- Ideal Speech Situation: The Unavoidable Cognitive and Normative Condition of Social Life --- p.78Chapter 1.3. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.81Chapter Chapter 2 --- : Luhmann's The Code of the Moral and Systems Theory --- p.84Chapter 2.1. --- The Code of the Moral --- p.84Chapter 2.1.1. --- The Code of the Moral as the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.86Chapter 2.1.2. --- Features of the Code of the Moral --- p.91Chapter 2.2. --- Systems Theory: Approaching a Non-normative Social Order --- p.100Chapter 2.2.1. --- Complexity and Binary Schematism: The Basic Settings of the World --- p.101Chapter 2.2.2. --- The Theory of Observation and Self-Reference: The Epistemological and Ontological Foundation of Systems Theory --- p.107Chapter 2.2.3. --- System/Environment Distinction and Autopoiesis: A New Conception of System --- p.117Chapter 2.2.4. --- Communication and Action: An Amoral Interpretation --- p.122Chapter 2.2.5. --- Double Contingency and Interpenetration: From Patterned Moral Order to Reflexive Amoral Order --- p.130Chapter 2.3. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.139Chapter PART II. --- FORMATION OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF ETHICS AND MORALITY: A METATHEORETICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN HABERMAS AND LUHMANN --- p.142Chapter Chapter 3: --- A Comparison between Habermas and Luhmann --- p.144Chapter 3.1. --- On Subject and the Individual --- p.144Chapter 3.1.1. --- On Subject --- p.144Chapter 3.1.2. --- On Human Individual --- p.146Chapter 3.2. --- On Communication and Action --- p.151Chapter 3.2.1. --- The Role of Language in Communication and Action --- p.154Chapter 3.2.2. --- The Meaning of Understanding in Communication and Action --- p.156Chapter 3.3. --- On Meaning and Value --- p.160Chapter 3.3.1. --- On Meaning --- p.160Chapter 3.3.2. --- On Value --- p.163Chapter 3.4. --- On Ethics and Morality --- p.169Chapter 3.4.1. --- Presuppositions --- p.170Chapter 3.4.2. --- Methodologies --- p.174Chapter 3.4.3. --- The Subject Matters and Their Level of Analysis --- p.179Chapter 3.4.4. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.183Chapter 3.5. --- On Humanism and Enlightenment --- p.184Chapter 3.6. --- On Society --- p.189Chapter 3.6.1. --- Identity and Difference --- p.189Chapter 3.6.2. --- The Constitution of Social Order --- p.191Chapter 3.6.3. --- Lifeworld and System --- p.192Chapter 3.6.4. --- "Rationality, Morality, and Normality" --- p.193Chapter 3.6.5. --- Descriptions of Modern Society --- p.196Chapter 3.7. --- The Nature of Sociology --- p.200Chapter 3.7.1. --- Methodology --- p.200Chapter 3.7.2. --- Sociology and Society --- p.201Chapter 3.8. --- Social Implications --- p.203Chapter 3.9. --- Concluding Remarks: Metatheoretical Reflections on the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.206Concluding Reflections: Prospects for the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.210Bibliography --- p.21

Towards a sociology of ethics and morality: a comparison between Jürgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann.

Lo, Kai Ching.Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 214-221).Abstracts in English and Chinese.Acknowledgement --- p.viAbstract --- p.viiiINTRODUCTION --- p.1Chapter I. --- The Problem: A Brief Introduction --- p.1Chapter I.a. --- Research Problems --- p.1Chapter I.b. --- The Subject Matters --- p.2Chapter I.e. --- Conceptualization of the Subject Matters --- p.3Chapter I.d. --- "The Orientation of the Research: Habermas, Luhmann, and Theory" --- p.6Chapter I.e. --- Outline of the Research Result --- p.13Chapter II. --- The Context --- p.17Chapter II.a. --- Ethics and Morality in Modern Society --- p.17Chapter II.b. --- Ethics and Morality in Sociology --- p.19Chapter II.b.l. --- Durkheim and Weber: Conception of Ethics and Morality --- p.20Chapter II.b.2. --- Successions and Revisions of Durkheim's and Weber's Perspectives --- p.25Chapter II.b.3. --- Habermas's and Luhmann's Breakthrough --- p.29Chapter III. --- The Framework --- p.31Chapter III.a. --- The Use of Metatheory --- p.31Chapter III.b. --- The Limitation of this thesis --- p.33Chapter PART I. --- HABERMAS AND LUHMANN AS THE EXEMPLARS OF SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES OF ETHICS AND MORALITY --- p.35Chapter Chapter 1: --- Habermas's Discourse Ethics and The Theory of Communicative Action --- p.37Chapter 1.1. --- Discourse Ethics --- p.38Chapter 1.1.1. --- Discourse Ethics as the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.40Chapter 1.1.2. --- The Logic of Discourse Ethics --- p.46Chapter 1.1.3. --- Morality and Ethical Life: From Philosophy and Politics to Sociology --- p.53Chapter 1.2. --- The Theory of Communicative Action: The Sociological Foundation of Discourse Ethics --- p.61Chapter 1.2.1. --- The Paradox of Rationalization and the Paradigmatic Change --- p.63Chapter 1.2.2. --- Universal Pragmatics: The Foundation of Moral Order --- p.65Chapter 1.2.3. --- Communicative Rationality and the Life world: The Redemption of Moral Order --- p.71Chapter 1.2.4. --- Communicative Action and Strategic Action: The Possibility of Immorality --- p.75Chapter 1.2.5. --- Ideal Speech Situation: The Unavoidable Cognitive and Normative Condition of Social Life --- p.78Chapter 1.3. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.81Chapter Chapter 2 --- : Luhmann's The Code of the Moral and Systems Theory --- p.84Chapter 2.1. --- The Code of the Moral --- p.84Chapter 2.1.1. --- The Code of the Moral as the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.86Chapter 2.1.2. --- Features of the Code of the Moral --- p.91Chapter 2.2. --- Systems Theory: Approaching a Non-normative Social Order --- p.100Chapter 2.2.1. --- Complexity and Binary Schematism: The Basic Settings of the World --- p.101Chapter 2.2.2. --- The Theory of Observation and Self-Reference: The Epistemological and Ontological Foundation of Systems Theory --- p.107Chapter 2.2.3. --- System/Environment Distinction and Autopoiesis: A New Conception of System --- p.117Chapter 2.2.4. --- Communication and Action: An Amoral Interpretation --- p.122Chapter 2.2.5. --- Double Contingency and Interpenetration: From Patterned Moral Order to Reflexive Amoral Order --- p.130Chapter 2.3. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.139Chapter PART II. --- FORMATION OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF ETHICS AND MORALITY: A METATHEORETICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN HABERMAS AND LUHMANN --- p.142Chapter Chapter 3: --- A Comparison between Habermas and Luhmann --- p.144Chapter 3.1. --- On Subject and the Individual --- p.144Chapter 3.1.1. --- On Subject --- p.144Chapter 3.1.2. --- On Human Individual --- p.146Chapter 3.2. --- On Communication and Action --- p.151Chapter 3.2.1. --- The Role of Language in Communication and Action --- p.154Chapter 3.2.2. --- The Meaning of Understanding in Communication and Action --- p.156Chapter 3.3. --- On Meaning and Value --- p.160Chapter 3.3.1. --- On Meaning --- p.160Chapter 3.3.2. --- On Value --- p.163Chapter 3.4. --- On Ethics and Morality --- p.169Chapter 3.4.1. --- Presuppositions --- p.170Chapter 3.4.2. --- Methodologies --- p.174Chapter 3.4.3. --- The Subject Matters and Their Level of Analysis --- p.179Chapter 3.4.4. --- Concluding Remarks --- p.183Chapter 3.5. --- On Humanism and Enlightenment --- p.184Chapter 3.6. --- On Society --- p.189Chapter 3.6.1. --- Identity and Difference --- p.189Chapter 3.6.2. --- The Constitution of Social Order --- p.191Chapter 3.6.3. --- Lifeworld and System --- p.192Chapter 3.6.4. --- "Rationality, Morality, and Normality" --- p.193Chapter 3.6.5. --- Descriptions of Modern Society --- p.196Chapter 3.7. --- The Nature of Sociology --- p.200Chapter 3.7.1. --- Methodology --- p.200Chapter 3.7.2. --- Sociology and Society --- p.201Chapter 3.8. --- Social Implications --- p.203Chapter 3.9. --- Concluding Remarks: Metatheoretical Reflections on the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.206Concluding Reflections: Prospects for the Sociology of Ethics and Morality --- p.210Bibliography --- p.21

New Perspectives on Games and Interaction

This volume is a collection of papers presented at the 2007 colloquium on new perspectives on games and interaction at the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences in Amsterdam. The purpose of the colloquium was to clarify the uses of the concepts of game theory, and to identify promising new directions. This important collection testifies to the growing importance of game theory as a tool to capture the concepts of strategy, interaction, argumentation, communication, cooperation and competition. Also, it provides evidence for the richness of game theory and for its impressive and growing application