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Variable-free semantics for negations with prosodic variation

Patrick Suppes

pp. 49-59

Abstract

In several recent publications (Suppes, 1976; Suppes and Macken, 1978) I have argued for a variable-free semantics of quantifiers, attributive adjectives, possessives, and intensifying adverbs. This work is a specialization of my earlier efforts at developing context-free fragments of natural language (1973a, 1973b, 1974). It is also part of my rejection of first-order logic as the appropriate instrument for the analysis of natural language, but I shall not digress here to state in any detail my views on this matter. The central idea is that the syntax of first-order logic is too far removed from that of any natural language, to use it in a sensitive analysis of the meaning of ordinary utterances.

Publication details

Published in:

Saarinen Esa, Hilpinen Risto, Niiniluoto Ilkka, Provence Hintikka Merrill (1979) Essays in honour of Jaakko Hintikka. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 49-59

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-9860-5_3

Full citation:

Suppes Patrick (1979) „Variable-free semantics for negations with prosodic variation“, In: E. Saarinen, R. Hilpinen, I. Niiniluoto & M. Provence Hintikka (eds.), Essays in honour of Jaakko Hintikka, Dordrecht, Springer, 49–59.