Patent ID: 6347332
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A network-based system for filtering and evaluating information through a process of online debate, comprising:(a) a server computer operatively coupled to a network and accessible to a plurality of users via client computers coupled to the network; (b) a database operatively coupled to the server, the database including an argument base; and (c) a software process, supported by the server, for supporting the on-line debate process; wherein the argument base structures discussion as a network of debates; wherein the argument base includes object classes for Propositions and Relationships among those Propositions; and wherein Relationships link or associate a Proposition or Relationship with another Proposition or Relationship such that the combination forms a logical statement that can be determined as true or false; and wherein the logical statements include the concepts of supporting or denying a proposition, such that if a proposition, â€œAâ€ , supports another proposition, â€œBâ€ , then if A is in fact true then B must be true, and if A denies B, then if A is in fact true then B must be false; and where the logical statements also include the concept of equivalence, such that if a proposition, â€œAâ€ , is equivalent to another proposition, â€œBâ€ , then A and B are the same proposition.