A Formal Model of Dishonest Communication

Chiaki Sakama

Workshop on Formal Models of Communication, Opole, Poland, August 2012.

Abstract

In this talk, we attempt to provide a formal account of dishonesty in human communication. To this end, we introduce a propositional multi-modal logic that can represent belief, intention and communication of an agent. Using the language, we formulate lies, bullshit, withholding information and half-truths, which have been studied in the philosophical literature. We investigate formal properties of those different categories of dishonesty, and argue their connection to deception. We also propose guidelines for speech-acts of dishonesty that should ideally be satisfied by agents.


Extended Abstract (PDF 80K) Slide