Speaker: Anthony Hunter

Anthony Hunter, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, and Head of the Intelligent Systems Group, in the UCL Department of Computer Science talks about "Introduction to Computational Models of Argument".

• Date: November 10, 2010
• Time: 11:00 am
• Location: AV Williams 3258

Computational models of argument are being developed with the aim of reflecting how human argumentation uses conflicting information to construct and analyse arguments. Argumentation involves identifying arguments and counterarguments relevant to an issue (e.g. What are the pros and cons for the safety of mobile phones for children?). Argumentation may also involve weighing, comparing, or evaluating arguments (e.g. What sense can we make of the arguments concerning mobile phones for children?) and it may involve drawing conclusions (e.g. A parent answering the question "Are mobile phones safe for my children?"). In addition, argumentation may involve convincing an audience (e.g. A politician making the case that mobile phones should be banned for children because the risk of radiation damage is too great or a parent trying to convince a young child that they are too young to have a mobile phone).

In this talk, we will look at both graph-based and logic-based formalizations of argumentation. We will consider some of the basic concepts, review proposals from various research groups, and briefly consider some potential application areas.