An integrated theory of causal stories and evidential arguments

Abstract

In the process of proof alternative stories that explain 'what happened' in a case are tested using arguments based on evidence. Building on the author's earlier hybrid theory, this paper presents a formal theory that combines causal stories and evidential arguments, further integrating the different types of reasoning in a framework for structured argumentation. This then allows for correct reasoning with causal and evidential rules, and further integrates arguments and stories by grounding them both in well-known dialectical argumentation semantics.