The generic/actual argument model of practical reasoning

• Published in: Decision Support Systems Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 358 - 379
• Main Authors: Yearwood, John L., Stranieri, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 2006; Elsevier Science; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Argumentation; Cognition & reasoning; Decision support; Decision support systems; Decision theory. Utility theory; Exact sciences and technology; Generic arguments; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Practical reasoning; Studies; Argumentation; Practical reasoning; Generic arguments; Decision support; Decision support system; Decision making; Formal specification
• ISSN: 0167-9236; 1873-5797
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dss.2004.07.004

In this paper, we present a model of reasoning called the generic/actual argument model (GAAM). Reasoning within a discursive community can be represented with this model so that participant claims can be accommodated without recourse to combative metaphors such as attack or defeat. The model facilitates the comprehension of complex reasoning for humans as well as being a computational representation for machine modelling of reasoning. As such, the model naturally integrates machine inferences with human. The model has been the basis for the development of practical systems to support reasoning and deliberation in areas of law and organizational decision making. Here, we present a formal description of the model and identify some of its characteristics.