64 research outputs found
A structured argumentation framework for detaching conditional obligations
We present a general formal argumentation system for dealing with the
detachment of conditional obligations. Given a set of facts, constraints, and
conditional obligations, we answer the question whether an unconditional
obligation is detachable by considering reasons for and against its detachment.
For the evaluation of arguments in favor of detaching obligations we use a
Dung-style argumentation-theoretical semantics. We illustrate the modularity of
the general framework by considering some extensions, and we compare the
framework to some related approaches from the literature.Comment: This is our submission to DEON 2016, including the technical appendi
Reasoning by Cases in Structured Argumentation
We extend the framework for structured argumentation so as to allow
applications of the reasoning by cases inference scheme for defeasible
arguments. Given an argument with conclusion ` or ', an argument based on
with conclusion , and an argument based on with conclusion , we
allow the construction of an argument with conclusion . We show how our
framework leads to different results than other approaches in non-monotonic
logic for dealing with disjunctive information, such as disjunctive default
theory or approaches based on the OR-rule (which allows to derive a defeasible
rule `If ( or ) then ', given two defeasible rules `If then '
and `If then '). We raise new questions regarding the subtleties of
reasoning defeasibly with disjunctive information, and show that its
formalization is more intricate than one would presume.Comment: Proceedings of SAC/KRR 201
Adaptive logic characterizations of input/output logic
We translate unconstrained and constrained input/output logics as introduced by Makinson and van der Torre to modal logics, using adaptive logics for the constrained case. The resulting reformulation has some additional benefits. First, we obtain a proof-theoretic (dynamic) characterization of input/output logics. Second, we demonstrate that our framework naturally gives rise to useful variants and allows to express important notions that go beyond the expressive means of input/output logics, such as violations and sanctions
Abstract Argumentation and Explanation Applied to Scientific Debates
Abstract argumentation has been shown to be a powerful tool within many fields such as artificial intelligence, logic and legal reasoning. In this paper we enhance Dung's well-known abstract argumentation framework with explanatory capabilities. We show that an explanatory argumentation framework (EAF) obtained in this way is a useful tool for the modeling of scientific debates. On the one hand, EAFs allow for the representation of explanatory and justificatory arguments constituting rivaling scientific views. On the other hand, different procedures for selecting arguments, corresponding to different methodological and epistemic requirements of theory evaluation, can be formulated in view of our framework
Epistemic Effects of Scientific Interaction: Approaching the Question with an Argumentative Agent-Based Model
The question whether increased interaction among scientists is beneficial or harmful for their efficiency in acquiring knowledge has in recent years been tackled by means of agent-based models (ABMs) (e.g. Zollman 2007, 2010; Grim 2009; Grim et al. 2013). Nevertheless, the relevance of some of these results for actual scientific practice has been questioned in view of specific parameter choices used in the simulations (Rosenstock et al. 2016). In this paper we present a novel ABM that aims at tackling the same question, while representing scientific interaction in terms of argumentative exchange. In this way we examine the robustness of previously obtained results under different modeling choices
Heuristic Reevaluation of the Bacterial Hypothesis of Peptic Ulcer Disease in the 1950s
Throughout the first half of the twentieth century the research on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) focused on two rivaling hypothesis: the “acidity” and the “bacterial” one. According to the received view, the latter was dismissed during the 1950s only to be revived with Warren’s and Marshall’s discovery of Helicobacter pylori in the 1980s. In this paper we investigate why the bacterial hypothesis was largely abandoned in the 1950s, and whether there were good epistemic reasons for its dismissal. Of special interest for our research question is Palmer’s 1954 large-scale study, which challenged the bacterial hypothesis with serious counter-evidence, and which by many scholars is considered as the shifting point in the research on PUD. However, we show that: (1) The perceived refutatory impact of Palmer’s study was disproportionate to its methodological rigor. This undermines its perceived status as a crucial experiment against the bacterial hypothesis. (2) In view of this and other considerations we argue that the bacterial hypothesis was worthy of pursuit in the 1950s
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