The investigation of computational models of argument is a rich and fascinating interdisciplinary research field with two ultimate aims: the theoretical goal of understanding argumentation as a cognitive phenomenon by modeling it in computer programs, and the practical goal of supporting the development of computer-based systems able to engage in argumentation-related activities with human users or among themselves. The biennial International Conferences on Computational Models of Argument (COMMA) provide a dedicated forum for the presentation and discussion of the latest advancements in the field, and cover both basic research and innovative applications. This book presents the proceedings of COMMA 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, COMMA 2020 was held as an online event on the originally scheduled dates of 8 -11 September 2020, organised by the University of Perugia, Italy. The book includes 28 full papers and 13 short papers selected from a total of 78 submissions, the abstracts of 3 invited talks and 13 demonstration abstracts. The interdisciplinary nature of the field is reflected, and contributions cover both theory and practice. Theoretical contributions include new formal models, the study of formal or computational properties of models, designs for implemented systems and experimental research. Practical papers include applications to medicine, law and criminal investigation, chatbots and online product reviews. The argument-mining trend from previous COMMA’s is continued, while an emerging trend this year is the use of argumentation for explainable AI. The book provided an overview of the latest work on computational models of argument, and will be of interest to all those working in the field.

In its classical form, the study of argumentation focuses on human-oriented uses of argument, such as whether an argument is legitimate or flawed, engagement in debate, or the rhetorical aspects of argumentation. In recent decades, however, the study of logic and computational models of argumentation has emerged as a growing sub-area of AI. This book presents the Seventh International Conference on Computational Models of Argument (COMMA’18), held in Warsaw, Poland, from 12 to 14 September 2018. Since its inception in 2006, the conference and its related activities have developed alongside the steady growth of interest in computational argumentation worldwide, and the selection of 25 full papers and 17 short papers, out of a total of 70 submissions, and 15 demonstration abstracts included here reflect the broad multidisciplinary nature of argumentation and the increasing body of work which establishes the relevance of computational models to various disciplines and real world applications. Subjects covered include: algorithm development; innovative applications; argument mining, argumentation-based models of dialogue; abstract argument frameworks; and structured argumentation. Representing an overview of current developments in the field, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in computational models of argument.

In the late 1990s, AI witnessed an increasing use of the term 'argumentation' within its bounds: in natural language processing, in user interface design, in logic programming and nonmonotonic reasoning, in Al's interface with the legal community, and in the newly emerging field of multi-agent systems. It seemed to me that many of these uses of argumentation were inspired by (of ten inspired) guesswork, and that a great majority of the AI community were unaware that there was a maturing, rich field of research in Argumentation Theory (and Critical Thinking and Informal Logic) that had been steadily re building a scholarly approach to the area over the previous twenty years or so. Argumentation Theory, on its side; was developing theories and approaches that many in the field felt could have a role more widely in research and soci ety, but were for the most part unaware that AI was one of the best candidates for such application.

This book describes how text analytics and computational models of legal reasoning will improve legal IR and let computers help humans solve legal problems.

"The papers in this volume formed the programme of the 1st International Conference on Computational Models of Argument (COMMA), which was hosted by the Dept. of Computer Science of the University of Liverpool from Sept. 11th-12th, 2006."--Pref.

Presents papers from the Third Conference on Computational Models of Argument, held in September 2010 in Desanzano del Garda, Italy. Providing a view of this important research field, this book is of interest to those involved in the use and development of artificial intelligence systems.

The subject of argumentation has been studied since ancient times, but it has seen major innovations since the advent of the computer age. Software already exists which can create and evaluate arguments in high-stake situations, such as medical diagnosis and criminal investigation; formal systems can help us appreciate the role of the value judgments which underlie opposing positions; and it is even possible to enter into argumentative dialogues as if playing a computer game. This book presents the 28 full papers, 17 short papers and a number of system demonstrations, described in an extended abstract, from the 2012 biennial Computational Models of Argument (COMMA) conference, held in Vienna, Austria. Papers by the invited speakers Professor Trevor Bench-Capon, Professor Erik Krabbe and Professor Keith Stenning are also included. This year, for the first time, COMMA invited the submission of papers for an innovative applications track, and those which were accepted for presentation are included in this volume. Argumentation can be studied from many angles, including the artificial, natural and theoretical systems perspective.Presentations at the 2012 conference addressed the subject from these perspectives and many more.