Since its inception in 2001, the CMNA workshop series focuses on the issue of modelling “natural” argumentation, where naturalness may range across a variety of forms, perhaps involving the use of visual rather than linguistic means to illustrate a point, for example using graphics or multimedia, or applying more sophisticated rhetorical devices, interacting at various layers of abstraction, or exploiting “extra-rational” characteristics of the audience, taking into account emotions and affective factors. 

The study of Argumentation, and in particular, argumentative behaviour within natural, real-world communication, compliments the scope and directions of the behaviour change communities and aligns neatly with several aspects of the PERSUASIVE conference. Computers and related digital technologies are tools that are increasingly used to help influence and persuade, as well as to manage and support. Similarly, the use of computers in argumentation has been varied, providing both a medium in which argumentative practises can flourish, and tools with which to study those practises. There appears however to be a natural alignment between the notion of argument as a rational process that can underpin reasoned action, and the idea of persuasive technologies leading to changes in behaviour and habitual action.

For this edition, we propose a special theme on the role(s) of argumentation in persuasion.

 © CMNA 2019