MoL-2016-20: Schoonen, Tom (2016) Thinking the Impossible Arguments for Impossible Worlds in Semantics. [Report]
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Abstract
This dissertation defends the use of impossible worlds in natural language semantics, by providing two arguments. First, a methodological argument is made, showing that the use of world postulates in semantics does not commit the semanticist to the ontological existence of worlds. Secondly, the argument from utility for impossible worlds is strengthened by providing a step towards a formal ordering of impossible worlds to improve the semantics of counterpossibles. Together, these arguments show that the use of impossible worlds in semantics is vindicated by their usefulness in capturing certain features of natural language.
| Item Type: | Report |
|---|---|
| Report Nr: | MoL-2016-20 |
| Series Name: | Master of Logic Thesis (MoL) Series |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Subjects: | Language Logic |
| Depositing User: | Dr Marco Vervoort |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Nov 2016 16:35 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Nov 2016 16:35 |
| URI: | https://eprints.illc.uva.nl/id/eprint/1413 |
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