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Proof-Theoretic Semantics for Subsentential Phrases

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Abstract

The paper briefly surveys the sentential proof-theoretic semantics for fragment of English. Then, appealing to a version of Frege’s context-principle (specified to fit type-logical grammar), a method is presented for deriving proof-theoretic meanings for sub-sentential phrases, down to lexical units (words). The sentential meaning is decomposed according to the function-argument structure as determined by the type-logical grammar. In doing so, the paper presents a novel proof-theoretic interpretation of simple type, replacing Montague’s model-theoretic type interpretation (in arbitrary Henkin models). The domains of derivations are collections of derivations in the associated “dedicated” natural-deduction proof-system, and functions therein (with no appeal to models, truth-values and elements of a domain). The compositionality of the semantics is analyzed.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Science dept. the Technion-IIT, Haifa, Israel

    Nissim Francez & Gilad Ben-Avi

  2. School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK

    Roy Dyckhoff

Authors
  1. Nissim Francez
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  2. Roy Dyckhoff
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  3. Gilad Ben-Avi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nissim Francez.

Additional information

Work started while the author was on leave at St Andrews university.

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Francez, N., Dyckhoff, R. & Ben-Avi, G. Proof-Theoretic Semantics for Subsentential Phrases. Stud Logica 94, 381–401 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11225-010-9241-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11225-010-9241-y

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