Abstract

Given an issue and related propositions for or against it, a major challenge to make these propositions accessible to readers is to produce a synthesis that is readable, synthetic enough, and relevant for various types of needs and points of view. Based on the Generative Lexicon (GL) Qualia Structure, which is a kind of lexical and knowledge repository, that we have enhanced in different manners and associated with inferences and language patterns, we show, via a number of preliminary experiments, how to construct a synthesis that outlines the typical elements found in propositions for or against a controversial issue. We propose a two-level approach: a synthesis of the propositions that have been mined, and navigation facilities that allow users to access arguments, structured in clusters, in order to get more details. This approach contributes to characterize why and how propositions support or attack an issue or some facets of that issue.