This research involves the construction of a series of computational models of common-sense reasoning about emotion-related phenomena. Computer programs capable of making inferences, constructing explanations, and learning about cognitive causes of emotions will be constructed. These computer models will be based on a theory of emotion that describes when emotions might arise, why, and what their likely consequences are. The principal investigator will develop an AI system that can reason about motivation and generate plausible explanations about emotion- relevant phenomena. The system will be validated by comparing the explanations it produces with explanations created by people and by having people evaluate the plausibility and coherence of the automatically constructed explanations.
