Value-Based Argumentation for Democratic Decision Support

In this paper we discuss the integration of two systems that are based on a specific theory of argumentation: the first, an existing web-based discussion forum; the second, a method to enable autonomous software agents to perform practical reasoning based upon their subscription to social values. Weshow how the output from the first of these systems can be used as input to the second and how the information gathered can be reasoned about through computer support. The purpose of the approach is to demonstrate how current theories of argumentation can be used to assist with the analysis of public attitude in a particular debate, with the specific example domain used being that of eDemocracy. We also provide some discussion and comparison of these current tools with similar, earlier systems.

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