LUIS M. AUGUSTO

Generally, I research into formal languages and their applications in human and artificial cognition. I am mostly interested in two subjects: Language & Knowledge (L&K) and Language & Agency (L&A).

With respect to L&K, I research into languages for knowledge; my focus is on logical languages, but I am open to other research paths. I am currently working on a strongly formal epistemology via the problem of formal truth, a project in the interface of epistemology and mathematical logic.

As for L&A, I am particularly interested in languages for (humanoid) robots. This requires work in the interface of linguistics and formal languages with subjects such as psychology and philosophy (e.g., consciousness), computer science (mostly programming languages and their compilation into machine languages), and (mostly discrete) math.

The main objective is to research into how cognitive agents represent knowledge and how this representation supports (rational, and possibly also ethical) agency. Narrowly conceived, my work fits into symbolic AI (see my review of Newell & Simon’s work in this field, especially my Author Reply to Jörg Siekmann). Broadly conceived, in cognitive science and the philosophy of science.

Hence, I am also interested in knowledge representation and reasoning, knowledge engineering, cognitive modeling conceived both narrowly (symbolic & connectionist models) and broadly (e.g., mental representation [in, say, Aristotle]), & unconscious cognition.

What glues all this together is formal semantics, the formal study of how representations are interpreted in a given environment.

Publications

List of publications and links thereto.

Ongoing courses & projects

· My current research focus is on knowledge from a viewpoint of mathematical structures and systems, via (meta-)logic. The main objective of this long-term multi- and interdisciplinary project is a theory of knowledge that constitutes a science of knowledge. A major project in this focus is Formal Truth Toward a Strongly Formal Epistemology, expected to be carried out—if application for funding is successful—at Lisbon’s CFCUL. Output already published: Toward a general theory of knowledge, published in the Journal of Knowledge Structures & Systems, 1(1). The results are planned to be published (also) in book form: Knowledge & Logic.

· In progress also, and related to the above project: Logic in knowledge representation and reasoning: Central topics via readings.

· A two-volume work on computational logic is underway. Volume 1 is already published (in College Publications, London). The second volume will be largely based on formal semantics.

· I am working on a version of my book Languages, machines, and classical computation with applications. These will constitute Part II of the book and there will be at least three new Chapters: compilers and front-end compilation, natural language processing, and formal verification. I am completing the chapter on compilation and am looking for co-author(s) for the two other chapters.

· I am working together with Farshad Badie (Research Group Natural and Formal Languages, Aalborg University) on a symbolic computational model of formal thought disorder. Keywords: Formal thought disorder; symbolic computational model; (classical) cognitivism; logical form; semantic networks; syntax-semantics interface of human information processing; description logic; conception language; OWL (Web Ontology Language). Papers are submitted and expected to be published in 2021.

· Can you think of a few ways in which empirical observation contradicts the “naturalness” of the inference rules of natural deduction for the quantifiers? Then I need you as a co-author for a paper I’m working on. You should have a background in logic and cognitive science. Key words: Deduction; quantifiers; natural deduction; inference rules; reasoning

Extra stuff

Conferences, talks, etc.

- Unconscious cognition: An intro. (A PowerPoint I use to introduce audiences to the topic of unconscious cognition)

- Logical consequence and closure spaces. Material prepared at the University of Barcelona, March 2015.

- Automating deduction in non-classical logics: Signed resolution for many-valued logics. CMAF, University of Lisbon, 2014. Abstract

- Mind: Architectures, models, formalisms. One neuron, two neurons, …, n neurons, a mind? University of Oporto, June 2013.

- Mind: Architectures, models, formalisms. What language does the mind ‘speak’? University of Oporto, May 2013.

- Mind: Architectures, models, formalisms. Is the Universal Turing Machine a mind? University of Oporto, May 2013.

- Mind: Architectures, models, formalisms. The traditional model of cognition (is wrong). University of Oporto, April 2013.

- Mind &/v logic: Mental disorder. University of Oporto, April 2013.

- Mind &/v logic: The cognitive unconscious. University of Oporto, March 2013.

- Mind &/v logic: Knowledge representation. University of Oporto, Feb. 2013.

- Mind &/v logic: Rationality. University of Oporto, Feb. 2013.

- Mind &/v logic: Cognition. University of Oporto, Feb. 2013.

- Computability and Computationalism: From mathematics to theories on the mind. (On the legacy of Alan Turing one hundred years after his birth.) University of Oporto, Faculty of Letters, Nov.-Dec. 2012.

- Inconsciente e linguagem: Lições da psicose. University of Oporto, March 2010.

- Unconscious mental processes and action: A cognitive approach. University of Oporto, March 2009.

- Consciousness in Continental Philosophy. University of Oporto, April-June 2009.

- Unconscious knowledge and epistemic accessibility. University of Sussex, Dec. 2008.

- Unconscious knowledge: When we don’t know that we know. University of Oporto, Nov. 2008.

- Unconscious knowledge and epistemic status. University of Sussex, June 2008.

My most cited article (> 50 citations at Google Scholar): Augusto, L. M. (2010). Unconscious knowledge: A survey. Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 6, 116-141.

Contact

luis.ml.augusto(AT)gmail(DOT)com