A practical introduction to the Rational Speech Act modeling framework

Gregory Scontras; Michael Henry Tessler; Michael Franke

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arXiv · 2105.09867

A practical introduction to the Rational Speech Act modeling framework

Gregory Scontras·Michael Henry Tessler·Michael Franke

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Abstract

Recent advances in computational cognitive science (i.e., simulation-based probabilistic programs) have paved the way for significant progress in formal, implementable models of pragmatics. Rather than describing a pragmatic reasoning process in prose, these models formalize and implement one, deriving both qualitative and quantitative predictions of human behavior -- predictions that consistently prove correct, demonstrating the viability and value of the framework. The current paper provides a practical introduction to and critical assessment of the Bayesian Rational Speech Act modeling framework, unpacking theoretical foundations, exploring technological innovations, and drawing connections to issues beyond current applications.

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Gregory Scontras, Michael Henry Tessler, Michael Franke. 2021-05-20. A practical introduction to the Rational Speech Act modeling framework. https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.09867

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