Alloy Integration Algorithm
Alloy is a computer program designed and written by Fox Harrell in joint work with
Joseph Goguen. Its purpose is to generate new conceptual structures by
integrating other structures, and its design is based on recent research in
cognitive linguistics, computer science, and semiotics; in particular, it
uses the algebraic semiotics
formalization of the cognitive linguistics theory of conceptual space
integration, also called "blending" (see Foundations for Active Multimedia Narrative: Semiotic
spaces and structural blending for details). This formalization
uses the semiotic spaces of algebraic
semiotics rather than the mental spaces that Fauconnier developed
for cognitive linguistics, because we need the greater generality of n-ary
relations, structure construcing functions, types, and axioms, for
integrating structures at the syntactic and discourse levels, as well as
generating novel metaphors as side effects of integrating at the conceptual
level; we also need the greater rigor in order to design the algorithm.
Semiotic spaces are basically what computer scientists call "ontologies,"
that is, theories expressed in a logic, in this case, mainly equational
logic, but enriched with partial ordering relations on constructors and
types, to express (limited aspects) of value systems.
Alloy is the heart of Griot, another computer program designed and
written by Fox Harrell in
joint work with Joseph Goguen. The purpose of Griot is to generate
interactive multimedia events, and it has been used in initial experiments
to produce "polypoems," a new art form consisting of very large families of
poems having a common theme and qualitative feeling, but varying content
and structure; typical elements from two polypoems can be found on the Griot System Homepage. The first
uses Labov's structural theory of narrative (see Notes on Narrative) at the discourse
level, but there are many other possibilities, e.g., haibun, which is most
famously used in Basho's great Oku no Hosomichi, as well as in our
November Qualia performance
for the CalIT2 opening celebration.
To the Griot System homepage
Some theoretical background, including references, is on the Computational Narratology page
To the CalIT2 performance page
To my systems homepage
Maintained by Joseph Goguen