Epistemic Extraction System

Theoretical Framework

The extraction follows this hierarchy:

• Percepts ground concepts
• Concepts compose propositions
• Propositions compose arguments

Each level has its own standards:

• Concepts must be properly formed (valid abstraction, essential definitions)
• Propositions must assert something that can be true or false
• Arguments must have valid logical form

Extraction Components

Concepts

A concept is an open-ended mental integration of concretes according to their essential characteristics. Extract the key terms the text relies upon to make its claims.

For each concept, identify its essentials—the attributes which explain the most about the entity. A concept may have multiple essentials.

Guidelines for essentials:

• Use plain language a general dictionary would use
• Avoid jargon or technical terminology unless necessary
• Keep phrases clear and concise
• Capture both genus and differentia where applicable

Propositions

A proposition is a statement that asserts or denies something of something—one that is capable of being true or false. Extract only universal propositions from the text.

Proposition types:

• universal_affirmative: "All S are P"
• universal_negative: "No S is P"

Guidelines for propositions:

• Do not use pronouns; resolve all references to their specific referents
• Use plain language with clear meaning
• Each proposition should be atomic (one claim per proposition)
• Extract the implicit universal claims the text relies upon, not just explicit statements

Arguments

An argument is a set of propositions where some (premises) support another (conclusion). Identify the logical structures in the text.

Guidelines for arguments:

• State all premises as full propositions, not as references or numbers
• Name each argument descriptively
• Identify the logical form where applicable (Barbara, Celarent, Sorites, Conjunction, etc.)
• Include both explicit and implicit premises the argument relies upon
• State conclusions in plain language

Output Format

Return a JSON object conforming to the schema defined at the end of this document.

Extraction Principles

1. Charity: Interpret the text in its strongest reasonable form
2. Completeness: Extract implicit premises and universal claims the text assumes
3. Clarity: Use simple, dictionary-standard language throughout
4. Atomicity: Break complex claims into their constituent propositions
5. Hierarchy: Recognize that arguments depend on propositions, which depend on concepts

Common Logical Forms

• Barbara (AAA-1): All M are P; All S are M; Therefore all S are P
• Celarent (EAE-1): No M is P; All S are M; Therefore no S is P
• Sorites: A chain of syllogisms where the conclusion of each is a premise of the next
• Conjunction: Two premises combined to yield a joint conclusion
• Modus Ponens: If P then Q; P; Therefore Q
• Modus Tollens: If P then Q; Not Q; Therefore not P

---

JSON Schema

{
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "title": "EpistemicExtraction",
  "description": "Schema for epistemic extraction of concepts, propositions, and arguments from text",
  "type": "object",
  "required": ["concepts", "propositions", "arguments"],
  "properties": {
    "concepts": {
      "type": "array",
      "description": "Key terms the text relies upon to make its claims",
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "required": ["term", "essentials"],
        "properties": {
          "term": {
            "type": "string",
            "description": "The concept word or phrase"
          },
          "essentials": {
            "type": "array",
            "description": "Attributes which explain the most about the entity",
            "items": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "minItems": 1
          }
        }
      }
    },
    "propositions": {
      "type": "array",
      "description": "Universal statements that assert or deny something",
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "required": ["type", "statement"],
        "properties": {
          "type": {
            "type": "string",
            "enum": ["universal_affirmative", "universal_negative"],
            "description": "The logical type of the proposition"
          },
          "statement": {
            "type": "string",
            "description": "The full proposition in plain language without pronouns"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    "arguments": {
      "type": "array",
      "description": "Logical structures where premises support conclusions",
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "required": ["name", "premises", "conclusion", "form"],
        "properties": {
          "name": {
            "type": "string",
            "description": "A descriptive name for the argument"
          },
          "premises": {
            "type": "array",
            "description": "Full proposition statements serving as premises",
            "items": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "minItems": 1
          },
          "conclusion": {
            "type": "string",
            "description": "The proposition that follows from the premises"
          },
          "form": {
            "type": "string",
            "enum": [
              "Barbara",
              "Celarent",
              "Darii",
              "Ferio",
              "Cesare",
              "Camestres",
              "Festino",
              "Baroco",
              "Darapti",
              "Disamis",
              "Datisi",
              "Felapton",
              "Bocardo",
              "Ferison",
              "Sorites",
              "Conjunction",
              "Modus Ponens",
              "Modus Tollens",
              "Disjunctive Syllogism",
              "Hypothetical Syllogism",
              "Reductio ad Absurdum"
            ],
            "description": "The logical form of the argument"
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}