Explainable AI using human-computer dialogue

About the Project

Project Details

Abstract

With the rise of autonomous intelligent technology, the ability to explain why a particular action was proposed or taken is more urgent than ever. This implies that the kind of reasoning that takes place in intelligent systems should be made transparent and explainable, in particular to people who are not AI experts. We propose to achieve this using recent developments in theories of computational argument. The key idea is that the user will be able to engage in a discussion with the intelligent technology in which explanation is provided by exchanging arguments and counterarguments. Our aim is to develop a software implementation that builds upon existing theoretical results, and supplements these where necessary. Using this software, we will assess the extent to which our approach increases user confidence in the decisions of intelligent technology.

Required Skills and Background

Ideally, candidates should have skills and experience in formal methods, such as formal logic, non-monotonic reasoning, or answer set programming. Furthermore, some software development skills are required, as one of the aims is to develop a software implementation that builds upon the theoretical results.

About the Supervisor

Dr. Martin Caminada is one of the leading researchers in the field of computational argument. Topics he has advanced are criteria for determining justified arguments, techniques for warranting the consistency of the resulting conclusions and discussion-based interpretations of argumentation theory. His work is highly cited and has appeared at some of the most competitive journals and conferences.

More Information

More information about this project is available at

http://www.martincaminada.net/phd_opportunities.html

How to Apply

This project is accepting applications all year round, for self-funded candidates.

Mode of Study: Full-time or part-time

Please submit your application via Computer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In the funding field of your application, indicate “I am applying for a self-funded PhD in Computer Science and Informatics”, and specify the project title and supervisors of this project in the text box provided.

Academic criteria: A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas.

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Students who do not have English as a first language must prove this by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component. A full list of accepted qualifications is available here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

If you are interested, please contact Dr Martin Caminada (caminadam@cardiff.ac.uk) sending your CV in the first instance. The application process requires you to develop an individual research proposal jointly with the supervision team, which builds on the information provided in this advert.

Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below.

Please submit your application via Computer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:

• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal. Your research proposal should not exceed 2000 words, including references and bibliography.
• A personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer).
• A CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website.
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts - original and English translation, if applicable.
• References x 2 which should be academic references. Please note you need to provide the reference documents as part of your application.
• Proof of English language (if applicable).

Interview– If the application meets all of the entrance requirements listed above, you will be invited to an interview.

Funding Notes

This project is offered for self-funded students only, or those with their own sponsorship or scholarship award. Where applicable, candidates will be required to cover the cost of a student visa, the healthcare surcharge, and any other costs of moving to the UK to study. These costs will not be covered by the School of Computer Science and Informatics.

References

P. Baroni, M.W.A. Caminada and M. Giacomin. Abstract Argumentation Frameworks and their Semantics. Book chapter in Handbook of Formal Argumentation. Editors: P. Baroni, D. Gabbay, M. Giacomin and L. van der Torre. Pages: 159-236. (2018)
M.W.A. Caminada. Argumentation Semantics as Formal Discussion. Book chapter in Handbook of Formal Argumentation. Editors: P. Baroni, D. Gabbay, M. Giacomin and L. van der Torre. Pages: 487-518. (2018)
M.W.A. Caminada and S. Uebis An Implementation of Argument-Based Discussion using ASPIC- COMMA 2020, pages 455-456.
B. Marshall, R. Booth and M.W.A. Caminada. DISCO: a Web-Based Implementation of Discussion Games for Grounded and Preferred Semantics. COMMA 2018, pages 453-454.