Constituting reference in natural language : the problem of referential opacity
Reference is of fundamental importance in natural language semantics. In Formal Semantics, reference is regarded as an absolute relation between expressions and referents. Thus construed reference is independent of the cognitive states of processors. Various Formal theories of reference are examined. We review the solutions which these theories offer to the referential problems associated with 'Opaque Contexts'. Such problems must be resolved if the Formal concept of reference is to be maintained. Formal explanations of other referential phenomena are also examined, viz. 'specificity', 'expressive responsibility'. and 'referentiality'. The thesis demonstrates that certain paradoxes arise as a result of using the same logical apparatus to describe all of these separate phenomena. It is argued that reference is not an absolute and invariant relation in language. Despite this claim it is argued that a theory of the effectiveness of referential acts is still possible. A system of referential description is presented that represents crucial aspects of the process of performing and understanding referential acts. It is proposed that generating and interpreting natural language is best explained as a process of constructing
Shadbolt, Nigel R.
computer science
Constituting reference in natural language : the problem of referential opacity. Reference is of fundamental importance in natural language semantics. In Formal Semantics, reference is regarded as an absolute relation between expressions and referents. Thus construed reference is independent of the cognitive states of processors. Various Formal theories of reference are examined. We review the solutions which these theories offer to the referential problems associated with 'Opaque Contexts'. Such problems must be resolved if the Formal concept of reference is to be maintained. Formal explanations of other referential phenomena are also examined, viz. 'specificity', 'expressive responsibility'. and 'referentiality'. The thesis demonstrates that certain paradoxes arise as a result of using the same logical apparatus to describe all of these separate phenomena. It is argued that reference is not an absolute and invariant relation in language. Despite this claim it is argued that a theory of the effectiveness of referential acts is still possible. A system of referential description is presented that represents crucial aspects of the process of performing and understanding referential acts. It is proposed that generating and interpreting natural language is best explained as a process of constructing
reference natural_language problem referential reference fundamental_importance natural_language semantics formal_semantics reference regard absolute relation expression referent thus construe reference independent cognitive state processor various formal theory reference examine review solution theory offer referential problem_associate opaque contexts problem must resolve formal concept reference maintain formal explanation referential phenomenon also_examine viz specificity expressive responsibility demonstrates certain paradox arise use logical apparatus describe separate phenomenon argue reference absolute invariant relation language despite claim argue theory effectiveness referential act still possible system referential description present represent crucial aspect process_perform referential act propose generate interpret natural_language best_explain process constructing