Thiyaga6851 at SemEval-2026 Task 11: Disentangling Content and Formal Reasoning in Large Language Models using Neuro-Symbolic Mapping
Summary
Thiyaga6851's system, submitted for SemEval-2026 Task 11 Subtask 1, evaluates the formal validity of English syllogisms while aiming to minimize semantic plausibility effects. This system employs a hybrid neuro-symbolic pipeline that distinctly separates natural-language abstraction from logical inference. It functions by mapping each syllogism into categorical propositions using a combination of template rules and a learned parser, followed by explicit role mapping for major, minor, and middle terms. For structurally complete abstractions, a Venn-style satisfiability solver determines validity; otherwise, instances are directed to a learned fallback classifier. The official submission achieved an accuracy of 71.73%, a Total Content Effect of 11.84, and a Combined Score of 20.19, placing 41st. Analysis revealed that symbolic inference performs reliably on well-formed abstractions, with most errors stemming from paraphrase, multiword terms, and unstable term alignment.
Key takeaway
For NLP Engineers developing systems for formal reasoning from natural language, you should consider a neuro-symbolic approach to disentangle content from logical structure. Your focus should be on robust natural language abstraction, specifically improving paraphrase and multiword term handling, as these are critical error sources. Ensure stable term alignment to maximize the reliability of symbolic inference components. This strategy can significantly enhance the formal validity assessment of complex linguistic inputs.
Key insights
A hybrid neuro-symbolic pipeline effectively separates natural language abstraction from logical inference for formal syllogism validity.
Principles
- Separate language abstraction from logic.
- Symbolic inference needs well-formed inputs.
- Explicit term mapping reduces content effects.
Method
A hybrid neuro-symbolic pipeline maps syllogisms to categorical propositions using template rules and a learned parser, followed by explicit term role mapping. Validity is checked by a Venn solver or a learned fallback classifier.
In practice
- Improve paraphrase handling.
- Address multiword term challenges.
- Stabilize term alignment processes.
Topics
- SemEval-2026
- Neuro-Symbolic AI
- Syllogistic Reasoning
- Formal Logic
- Natural Language Abstraction
- Large Language Models
Best for: Research Scientist, AI Scientist, NLP Engineer
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Paper Index on ACL Anthology.