Proximity semantics for topic-based abstract argumentation

Abstract

As we engage in a debate with other parties, it is usual that several issues might come under discussion. Many of these issues are interrelated by the topic they address, while others represent a departure from the focus of the discussion. In this work, we propose to extend Dung's abstract argumentation frameworks by decorating arguments with a set of interrelated topics. These topics represent what the arguments are addressing and provide a supporting structure for the analysis of multi-topic argumentation. The introduction of a notion of distance between two topics associated with the arguments permits to consider the proximity of an argument to the focus of the debate, supporting in that manner an enriched semantic analysis.