An Introduction to DISCO

DISCO (DIScussion COmputation) is an online implementation of the Grounded Discussion Game and the Preferred Discussion Game. We refer to the associated papers for the precise definitions of these games. The demonstrator is based entirely on Javascript, meaning that all computation is performed at client side. The source code is available on GitHub.

Defining an Argumentation Framework

DISCO starts up with an almost entitely black canvas. From there, it is possible to start constructing an argumentation framework. To do so, click anywhere on the canvas to insert an argument. Once an argument has been inserted, it is possible to move it anywhere on the canvas. When hovering over an argument, a small red dot appears. Click and hold this dot to create an arrow that can be dragged towards another argument, to define the associated attack.

To delete arguments and attacks, clicking on the "C" ("Construct") will turn it into a "D" ("Delete"). Then simply click on the arguments and attacks that need to be deleted.

Loading and Saving an Argumentation Framework

Instead of Manually defining an argumentation framework, it is also possible to load an argumentation framework from file. To do so, first make sure you have some of the associated graph files available on your local PC, for instance by downloading the following examples. Once these are available, click the menu button (the three horizontal stripes) and select "Open Graph File". Similarly, to save an argumentation framework, select "Save Graph File".

Playing the Grounded Discussion Game

The Grounded Discussion Game can be started by clicking "Play Grounded Discussion" once an argumentation framework has either been manually constructed or loaded from file. Subsequently, click on "Discussion Log" to start playing the game. It is possible to play either as proponent or as opponent; the computer will automatically assume the other role. In either case, the first thing to do is to enter the main argument, either by clicking on it or by typing the associated HTB move into the "Move" field. When the user is playing as proponent, click on "Take AI Turn for Opponent" for the computer to do a move as opponent. Similarly, when the user is playing as opponent, click on "Take AI Turn for Opponent" for the computer to do a move as proponent. Please notice that these options are only available if it is the computer's turn to do a move. Moves of the user are done by clicking on an argument, or by entering the text of the associated move into the "Move" field. Hints regarding the possible next moves are available by clicking on the round "?" button at the top.

The strategy of the computer playing the Grounded Discussion Game is based on the Grounded Labelling and its associated min-max numbering. These can be displayed by clicking the round "V" button, which subsequently turns into an "L" ("Labelling") and an "M" ("Min-Max").

Playing the Preferred Discussion Game

The Preferred Discussion Game is started by clicking "Play Preferred Game" when a (non-empty) argumentation framework has been constructed or loaded. Subsequently click on "Discussion Log" to start playing the game. It is possible to play as proponent or as opponent; the computer will automatically assume the other role. In either case, the first thing to do is to enter the main argument, either by clicking on it or by typing the associated IN move into the "Move" field. When the user is playing as Menexenus (the proponent) click on "Take AI Turn for Socrates" for the computer to do a move as Socrates (the opponent). Similarly, when the user is playing as Socrates (the opponent) click on "Take AI Turn for Menexenus" for the computer to do a move as Menexenus. Please notice that these options are only available if it is the computer's turn to do a move. Moves of the user are done by clicking on an argument, or by entering the text of the associated move into the "Move" field.

Additional features

It is possible to save an argumentation framework as an image file (PNG format). To do so, select "Save Graph Image" from the "Operations" menu. Please be aware that an image file, once saved, cannot be reloaded. If the aim is to reload the argumentation framework at a later moment, select "Save Graph File" instead