Real Conditionals
Logicians have written a great deal on the semantics of conditional sentences. This book contends that insufficient attention has been paid to the syntax of conditionals, as investigated by linguists. Syntactic data are used to make the case that "If"-clauses tacitly quantify over items called "events," "circumstances," or "conditions." This motivates a semantic theory of conditionals that concentrates on "only if," "even if" and "unless" as well as on "If...then." The theory is then applied to a number of examples from the literature, and its predictions and successes compare favorably to those of competing semantic theories.
1100467740
Real Conditionals
Logicians have written a great deal on the semantics of conditional sentences. This book contends that insufficient attention has been paid to the syntax of conditionals, as investigated by linguists. Syntactic data are used to make the case that "If"-clauses tacitly quantify over items called "events," "circumstances," or "conditions." This motivates a semantic theory of conditionals that concentrates on "only if," "even if" and "unless" as well as on "If...then." The theory is then applied to a number of examples from the literature, and its predictions and successes compare favorably to those of competing semantic theories.
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Real Conditionals

Real Conditionals

by William G. Lycan
Real Conditionals
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Real Conditionals

Real Conditionals

by William G. Lycan

Overview

Logicians have written a great deal on the semantics of conditional sentences. This book contends that insufficient attention has been paid to the syntax of conditionals, as investigated by linguists. Syntactic data are used to make the case that "If"-clauses tacitly quantify over items called "events," "circumstances," or "conditions." This motivates a semantic theory of conditionals that concentrates on "only if," "even if" and "unless" as well as on "If...then." The theory is then applied to a number of examples from the literature, and its predictions and successes compare favorably to those of competing semantic theories.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780199242078
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 11/08/2001
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 234
Product dimensions: 5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

William Lycan is William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina.

Table of Contents

Preface, Acknowledgements1. The Syntax of Conditional Sentences2. Truth Conditions: The Event Theory3. Truth Conditions: Reality and Modus Ponens4. In Defense of Truth-Value5. A Beautiful But False Theory of 'Even If'6. An Unbeautiful But Less Easily Refuatable Theory of 'Even If'7. The 'Indicative'/'Subjunctive' Distinction8. The Riverboat PuzzleAppendix: 'Nonconditional Conditionals' (with Michael L. Geis)Revisionary Postscript on Nonconditional ConditionalsBibliography, Index
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Related Subjects

Philosophy
Linguistics & Semiotics
Comparative Grammar
Semantics
Philosophy
Linguistics & Semiotics
Comparative Grammar
Semantics

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