Title: A Formal Computational Semantics and Pragmatics of Speech Acts

Author: Eric Werner, Ph.D.


Contact: eric.werner@cellnomica.com

Abstract

This paper outlines a formal computational semantics and pragmatics of the major speech act types. A theory of force is given that allows us to give a semantically and pragmatically motivated taxonomy of speech acts. The relevance of the communication theory to complex distributed artificial intelligence, DAI, systems is described.

Introduction

In this paper we outline a formal semantics and pragmatics of speech acts based on an explicit formal theory of information and intention. A formal description of the notion of illocutionary force is given. We take a new look at Searle's classification of speech acts. In the process, we develop a deeper understanding of the rather vague notion of force.