Rational Interaction as the Basis for Communication

Abstract

This paper derives the basis of a theory of communication from a formal theory of rational interaction. The major result is a demonstration that illocutionary acts need neither be primitive, nor explicitly recognized. As a test case, we derive Searle's conditions on requesting from principles of rationality coupled with a theory of imperatives. The theory rests on a formal account of intention and distinguishes insincere or nonserious imperatives from true requests. A theory of purposeful communication thus emerges as a consequence of principles of action and interaction.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 21, 1988
Accession Number
ADA461059

Entities

People

  • Hector J. Levesque
  • Philip R. Cohen

Organizations

  • SRI International

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Fields of Study

  • Economics

Readers

  • Computational Linguistics
  • Theoretical Analysis.