Presupposition and Assertion in Dynamic Semantics: A Critical Review of Linguistic Theories of Presupposition and a Dynamic Alternative (Studies in Logic, Language, and Information) - Softcover

Beaver, David I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1575861208 ISBN 13: 9781575861203

Publisher: Center for the Study of Language and Inf, 2001

Synopsis

Russell and Strawson sparked a well known debate on the subject of Linguistic Presupposition inspiring many linguists and philosophers to follow suit, including Frege, whose work initiated the modern study in this area. Beaver begins with the most comprehensive overview and critical discussion of this burgeoning field published to date. He then goes on to motivate and develop his own account based on a Dynamic Semantics. This account is a recent line of theoretical work in which the Tarskian emphasis on truth conditions is questioned. The central plank of the theory of meaning is a formal account of the change in information effected by use of language on hearers or readers. The proposal thus consolidates ideas of Stalnaker, Karttunen and Heim, all of whom had suggested that such an account was needed. At the same time it provides a new impulse and motivation to Dynamic Semantics itself.

About this title

Book Description

This book contains the most comprehensive overview and critical discussion of Linguistic Presupposition published to date. Beaver develops his own account based on a Dynamic Semantics in which the Tarskian emphasis on truth conditions is questioned.

Edition details

• Publisher: Center for the Study of Language and Inf
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1575861208
• ISBN 13: 9781575861203
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250