Argumentation Context Systems: A Framework for Abstract Group Argumentation

We introduce a modular framework for distributed abstract argumentation where the argumentation context, that is information about preferences among arguments, values, validity, reasoning mode (skeptical vs. credulous) and even the chosen semantics can be explicitly represented. The framework consists of a collection of abstract argument systems connected via mediators. Each mediator integrates information coming from connected argument systems (thereby handling conflicts within this information) and provides the context used in a particular argumentation module. The framework can be used in different directions; e.g., for hierarchic argumentation as typically found in legal reasoning, or to model group argumentation processes.