A pragmatic approach to grounding data computation for modal statements

Abstract

In this paper we focus on the problem of grounding modal statements in an agent system. We follow the Grounding Theory, formally defining an approach to grounding based on empirical data collected by a cognitive agent. Performed analysis is done in a context of incomplete observations, where partial empirical data should influence agent's cognitive attitude. In particular, we focus solely on modal conjunctions and formulate a set of common-sense requirements for incorporating incomplete (partial) empirical data. We further propose a coherent and unified extensions to the Grounding Theory that compensates for the existence of partial observations, i.e., influencing the cognitive stance of the agent. Finally, we outline a few examples to illustrate the underlying modifications of the existing theory. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.