Abstract Objects and the Semantics of Natural Language - Hardcover

Moltmann, Friederike

 
9780199608744: Abstract Objects and the Semantics of Natural Language
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0199608741 ISBN 13: 9780199608744
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

Synopsis

The common view in philosophy and linguistic semantics is that naturallanguage involves a great range of expressions that involve reference to abstract objects, such as properties, propositions, degrees, numbers,and expression types. This book argues that this view is mistaken: theontology of natural language at its core is particularist, involvingpervasive reference to various sorts of tropes (particularized properties) or trope-related entities, to pluralities (as many) of particulars, aswell as to 'variable objects'. In addition, expressions that appear to standfor abstract objects, the book argues, play in fact a nonreferential role. Only in the'periphery' of language, with 'reifying terms' such as the proposition that S, the fact that S, the property of being an N, the number eight, the word eight, and the truth value true, is reference to abstract objects possible.

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About the Author


Friederike Moltmann is senior researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and visiting researcher at NYU. She had previously taught both linguistics and philosophy at various universities in the US and the UK. She has published numerous articles in both linguistic and philosophical journals and is author of Parts and Wholes in Semantic (OUP, 1997).

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Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publication date
2013
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0199608741
ISBN 13 
9780199608744
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
1
Number of pages
256