This paper is about language understanding using Belief Networks. Language understanding is a key technology in human-computer conversational systems. These systems often need to handle information-seeking queries from the user regarding a restricted domain. We devised a method for identifying the user’s communicative goal(s) out of a finite set of within-domain goals. The problem is formulated...

In this article, I will outline, how three meaning theoretic paradigms deal with the content of belief, and what difficulties each of them faces: the Fregean approach, the Neo-Russellian or direct reference approach, and the dualist approach as a mixture of both. The Fregean approach stipulates senses that correspond to linguistic expressions and fulfill various roles such as determining the tr...

In this essay I will consider two theses that are associated with Frege, and will investigate the extent to which Frege “really” believed them. Much of what I have to say will come as no surprise to scholars of the historical Frege. But Frege is not only a historical figure; he also occupies a site on the philosophical landscape that has allowed his doctrines to seep into the subconscious water...

People are full of plans, goals, hopes, and fears-future-oriented thoughts that constitute a significant part of the self-concept. But are representations of others similarly future oriented? Studies 1a and 1b demonstrate that the future is seen as a larger component of the self than of another person. Study 2 found that because self-identity is tied to an unrealized future, the self is thought...