SEMANTICS WITH CLUSTERS OF PROPERTIES

GALIT SASSOON

Abstract

Proceedings of IATL 18

In model theoretic semantics, we represent the core of predicate-sense by intension. Another notion, clusters of characteristic properties, serving as conceptual guidelines that help us identify the denotation in each context of use, has intrigued scholars from a variety of disciplines for years. Model theoretic theories often appeal to clusters of properties / features /criteria / propositions etc. However, there is no systematic account of the role of clusters. Stipulations are made in each case separately regarding the presence of clusters and/or their various effects. I propose a detailed formal model, which incorporates two kinds of clusters into our denotational representation of Predicate meaning. For example, the interpretation of the predicate chair includes in each context a set of individuals (chairs), necessary properties (like piece of furniture or solid ) and stereotypical characteristics of chairs (like: has a back, four legs, is used to sit on it etc.) In this paper, I illustrate the use of this model in semantic analysis with one case study: contextual restrictions in universal generalizations with every, any and generic a.



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