English

A practical introduction to the Rational Speech Act modeling framework

Computation and Language 2021-05-21 v1

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.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2105.09867,
  title  = {A practical introduction to the Rational Speech Act modeling framework},
  author = {Gregory Scontras and Michael Henry Tessler and Michael Franke},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2105.09867},
  year   = {2021}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-24T02:18:38.046Z