Defeasible Reasoning with Knowledge Graphs

TL;DR

This paper presents a new model for defeasible reasoning with imperfect knowledge in knowledge graphs, addressing uncertainties and context-dependence, and relates it to argumentation theory.

Contribution

It introduces an intuitive notation and model for defeasible reasoning with knowledge graphs, connecting it to argumentation theory and highlighting future directions.

Findings

Proposes a notation for defeasible reasoning in knowledge graphs

Relates defeasible reasoning to argumentation theory

Discusses the role of symbolic approaches amidst large language models

Abstract

Human knowledge is subject to uncertainties, imprecision, incompleteness and inconsistencies. Moreover, the meaning of many everyday terms is dependent on the context. That poses a huge challenge for the Semantic Web. This paper introduces work on an intuitive notation and model for defeasible reasoning with imperfect knowledge, and relates it to previous work on argumentation theory. PKN is to N3 as defeasible reasoning is to deductive logic. Further work is needed on an intuitive syntax for describing reasoning strategies and tactics in declarative terms, drawing upon the AIF ontology for inspiration. The paper closes with observations on symbolic approaches in the era of large language models.