Dynamics of Meaning

Dynamics of Meaning

Author: Gennaro Chierchia

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 1995-08

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 9780226104348

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In The Dynamics of Meaning, Gennaro Chierchia tackles central issues in dynamic semantics and extends the general framework. Chapter 1 introduces the notion of dynamic semantics and discusses in detail the phenomena that have been used to motivate it, such as "donkey" sentences and adverbs of quantification. The second chapter explores in greater depth the interpretation of indefinites and issues related to presuppositions of uniqueness and the "E-type strategy." In Chapter 3, Chierchia extends the dynamic approach to the domain of syntactic theory, considering a range of empirical problems that includes backwards anaphora, reconstruction effects, and weak crossover. The final chapter develops the formal system of dynamic semantics to deal with central issues of definites and presupposition. Chierchia shows that an approach based on a principled enrichment of the mechanisms dealing with meaning is to be preferred on empirical grounds over approaches that depend on an enrichment of the syntactic apparatus. Dynamics of Meaning illustrates how seemingly abstract stances on the nature of meaning can have significant and far-reaching linguistic consequences, leading to the detection of new facts and influencing our understanding of the syntax/semantics/pragmatics interface.


Book Synopsis Dynamics of Meaning by : Gennaro Chierchia

Download or read book Dynamics of Meaning written by Gennaro Chierchia and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 1995-08 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Dynamics of Meaning, Gennaro Chierchia tackles central issues in dynamic semantics and extends the general framework. Chapter 1 introduces the notion of dynamic semantics and discusses in detail the phenomena that have been used to motivate it, such as "donkey" sentences and adverbs of quantification. The second chapter explores in greater depth the interpretation of indefinites and issues related to presuppositions of uniqueness and the "E-type strategy." In Chapter 3, Chierchia extends the dynamic approach to the domain of syntactic theory, considering a range of empirical problems that includes backwards anaphora, reconstruction effects, and weak crossover. The final chapter develops the formal system of dynamic semantics to deal with central issues of definites and presupposition. Chierchia shows that an approach based on a principled enrichment of the mechanisms dealing with meaning is to be preferred on empirical grounds over approaches that depend on an enrichment of the syntactic apparatus. Dynamics of Meaning illustrates how seemingly abstract stances on the nature of meaning can have significant and far-reaching linguistic consequences, leading to the detection of new facts and influencing our understanding of the syntax/semantics/pragmatics interface.


Meaning and the Dynamics of Interpretation

Meaning and the Dynamics of Interpretation

Author: Hans Kamp

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2013-10-17

Total Pages: 701

ISBN-13: 9004252886

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This selection of research papers written by Hans Kamp presents the core of his scientific research on natural language semantics and its relation to logic, philosophy and linguistics. Arranged in six sections, the topics range from philosophical reflection on the foundational issues in the ancient Sorites Paradox with a formal account of its solution, to a detailed account of presuppositions in dynamic semantics.


Book Synopsis Meaning and the Dynamics of Interpretation by : Hans Kamp

Download or read book Meaning and the Dynamics of Interpretation written by Hans Kamp and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2013-10-17 with total page 701 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This selection of research papers written by Hans Kamp presents the core of his scientific research on natural language semantics and its relation to logic, philosophy and linguistics. Arranged in six sections, the topics range from philosophical reflection on the foundational issues in the ancient Sorites Paradox with a formal account of its solution, to a detailed account of presuppositions in dynamic semantics.


Dynamics of Meaning

Dynamics of Meaning

Author: Gennaro Chierchia

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2009-02-20

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0226104516

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In The Dynamics of Meaning, Gennaro Chierchia tackles central issues in dynamic semantics and extends the general framework. Chapter 1 introduces the notion of dynamic semantics and discusses in detail the phenomena that have been used to motivate it, such as "donkey" sentences and adverbs of quantification. The second chapter explores in greater depth the interpretation of indefinites and issues related to presuppositions of uniqueness and the "E-type strategy." In Chapter 3, Chierchia extends the dynamic approach to the domain of syntactic theory, considering a range of empirical problems that includes backwards anaphora, reconstruction effects, and weak crossover. The final chapter develops the formal system of dynamic semantics to deal with central issues of definites and presupposition. Chierchia shows that an approach based on a principled enrichment of the mechanisms dealing with meaning is to be preferred on empirical grounds over approaches that depend on an enrichment of the syntactic apparatus. Dynamics of Meaning illustrates how seemingly abstract stances on the nature of meaning can have significant and far-reaching linguistic consequences, leading to the detection of new facts and influencing our understanding of the syntax/semantics/pragmatics interface.


Book Synopsis Dynamics of Meaning by : Gennaro Chierchia

Download or read book Dynamics of Meaning written by Gennaro Chierchia and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2009-02-20 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Dynamics of Meaning, Gennaro Chierchia tackles central issues in dynamic semantics and extends the general framework. Chapter 1 introduces the notion of dynamic semantics and discusses in detail the phenomena that have been used to motivate it, such as "donkey" sentences and adverbs of quantification. The second chapter explores in greater depth the interpretation of indefinites and issues related to presuppositions of uniqueness and the "E-type strategy." In Chapter 3, Chierchia extends the dynamic approach to the domain of syntactic theory, considering a range of empirical problems that includes backwards anaphora, reconstruction effects, and weak crossover. The final chapter develops the formal system of dynamic semantics to deal with central issues of definites and presupposition. Chierchia shows that an approach based on a principled enrichment of the mechanisms dealing with meaning is to be preferred on empirical grounds over approaches that depend on an enrichment of the syntactic apparatus. Dynamics of Meaning illustrates how seemingly abstract stances on the nature of meaning can have significant and far-reaching linguistic consequences, leading to the detection of new facts and influencing our understanding of the syntax/semantics/pragmatics interface.


Dynamics in Action

Dynamics in Action

Author: Alicia Juarrero

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2002-01-25

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 9780262600477

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

What is the difference between a wink and a blink? The answer is important not only to philosophers of mind, for significant moral and legal consequences rest on the distinction between voluntary and involuntary behavior. However, "action theory"—the branch of philosophy that has traditionally articulated the boundaries between action and non-action, and between voluntary and involuntary behavior—has been unable to account for the difference. Alicia Juarrero argues that a mistaken, 350-year-old model of cause and explanation—one that takes all causes to be of the push-pull, efficient cause sort, and all explanation to be prooflike—underlies contemporary theories of action. Juarrero then proposes a new framework for conceptualizing causes based on complex adaptive systems. Thinking of causes as dynamical constraints makes bottom-up and top-down causal relations, including those involving intentional causes, suddenly tractable. A different logic for explaining actions—as historical narrative, not inference—follows if one adopts this novel approach to long-standing questions of action and responsibility.


Book Synopsis Dynamics in Action by : Alicia Juarrero

Download or read book Dynamics in Action written by Alicia Juarrero and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2002-01-25 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the difference between a wink and a blink? The answer is important not only to philosophers of mind, for significant moral and legal consequences rest on the distinction between voluntary and involuntary behavior. However, "action theory"—the branch of philosophy that has traditionally articulated the boundaries between action and non-action, and between voluntary and involuntary behavior—has been unable to account for the difference. Alicia Juarrero argues that a mistaken, 350-year-old model of cause and explanation—one that takes all causes to be of the push-pull, efficient cause sort, and all explanation to be prooflike—underlies contemporary theories of action. Juarrero then proposes a new framework for conceptualizing causes based on complex adaptive systems. Thinking of causes as dynamical constraints makes bottom-up and top-down causal relations, including those involving intentional causes, suddenly tractable. A different logic for explaining actions—as historical narrative, not inference—follows if one adopts this novel approach to long-standing questions of action and responsibility.


Fundamentals of Biomechanics

Fundamentals of Biomechanics

Author: Dawn L. Leger

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-14

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 1475730675

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Extensively revised from a successful first edition, this book features a wealth of clear illustrations, numerous worked examples, and many problem sets. It provides the quantitative perspective missing from more descriptive texts, without requiring an advanced background in mathematics, and as such will be welcomed for use in courses such as biomechanics and orthopedics, rehabilitation and industrial engineering, and occupational or sports medicine.


Book Synopsis Fundamentals of Biomechanics by : Dawn L. Leger

Download or read book Fundamentals of Biomechanics written by Dawn L. Leger and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-14 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extensively revised from a successful first edition, this book features a wealth of clear illustrations, numerous worked examples, and many problem sets. It provides the quantitative perspective missing from more descriptive texts, without requiring an advanced background in mathematics, and as such will be welcomed for use in courses such as biomechanics and orthopedics, rehabilitation and industrial engineering, and occupational or sports medicine.


The Dynamics of Religion

The Dynamics of Religion

Author: Peter Slater

Publisher: San Francisco : Harper & Row

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9780060673895

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A signal contribution to the burgeoning field of comparative philosophy of religion, The Dynamics of Religion describes patterns of living faith in major world religions in a way which corrects misperceptions of them as archaic traditions trapped in the past. Packed with telling examples, this book shows how religions provide meaning and guidance for their followers; what the fundamental constituents of all religions are, including stories, symbols, solutions to the mystery of evil, and more; and how religions are dynamic processes that constantly change and adapt over time. The author concludes that truth comes not from the dogmatic retelling of any single master story, but from the dynamic interplay between stories old and new. What is distinctive in each tradition is not any single set of unchanging meanings but the character of the life lived. The Dynamics of Religion is exhilarating and essential reading for anyone interested in the way religion begins, structure themselves, and develop through time.


Book Synopsis The Dynamics of Religion by : Peter Slater

Download or read book The Dynamics of Religion written by Peter Slater and published by San Francisco : Harper & Row. This book was released on 1978 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A signal contribution to the burgeoning field of comparative philosophy of religion, The Dynamics of Religion describes patterns of living faith in major world religions in a way which corrects misperceptions of them as archaic traditions trapped in the past. Packed with telling examples, this book shows how religions provide meaning and guidance for their followers; what the fundamental constituents of all religions are, including stories, symbols, solutions to the mystery of evil, and more; and how religions are dynamic processes that constantly change and adapt over time. The author concludes that truth comes not from the dogmatic retelling of any single master story, but from the dynamic interplay between stories old and new. What is distinctive in each tradition is not any single set of unchanging meanings but the character of the life lived. The Dynamics of Religion is exhilarating and essential reading for anyone interested in the way religion begins, structure themselves, and develop through time.


Coordination Dynamics: Issues and Trends

Coordination Dynamics: Issues and Trends

Author: Viktor K. Jirsa

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-11-01

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 3540396764

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book brings together scientists from all over the world who have defined and developed the field of Coordination Dynamics. Grounded in the concepts of self-organization and the tools of nonlinear dynamics, appropriately extended to handle informational aspects of living things, Coordination Dynamics aims to understand the coordinated functioning of a variety of different systems at multiple levels of description. The book addresses the themes of Coordination Dynamics and Dynamic Patterns in the context of the following topics: Coordination of Brain and Behavior, Perception-Action Coupling, Control, Posture, Learning, Intention, Attention, and Cognition.


Book Synopsis Coordination Dynamics: Issues and Trends by : Viktor K. Jirsa

Download or read book Coordination Dynamics: Issues and Trends written by Viktor K. Jirsa and published by Springer. This book was released on 2013-11-01 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together scientists from all over the world who have defined and developed the field of Coordination Dynamics. Grounded in the concepts of self-organization and the tools of nonlinear dynamics, appropriately extended to handle informational aspects of living things, Coordination Dynamics aims to understand the coordinated functioning of a variety of different systems at multiple levels of description. The book addresses the themes of Coordination Dynamics and Dynamic Patterns in the context of the following topics: Coordination of Brain and Behavior, Perception-Action Coupling, Control, Posture, Learning, Intention, Attention, and Cognition.


The Dynamics of Social Practice

The Dynamics of Social Practice

Author: Elizabeth Shove

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2012-05-17

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1446290034

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Everyday life is defined and characterised by the rise, transformation and fall of social practices. Using terminology that is both accessible and sophisticated, this essential book guides the reader through a multi-level analysis of this dynamic. In working through core propositions about social practices and how they change the book is clear and accessible; real world examples, including the history of car driving, the emergence of frozen food, and the fate of hula hooping, bring abstract concepts to life and firmly ground them in empirical case-studies and new research. Demonstrating the relevance of social theory for public policy problems, the authors show that the everyday is the basis of social transformation addressing questions such as: how do practices emerge, exist and die? what are the elements from which practices are made? how do practices recruit practitioners? how are elements, practices and the links between them generated, renewed and reproduced? Precise, relevant and persuasive this book will inspire students and researchers from across the social sciences. Elizabeth Shove is Professor of Sociology at Lancaster University. Mika Pantzar is Research Professor at the National Consumer Research Centre, Helsinki. Matt Watson is Lecturer in Social and Cultural Geography at University of Sheffield.


Book Synopsis The Dynamics of Social Practice by : Elizabeth Shove

Download or read book The Dynamics of Social Practice written by Elizabeth Shove and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2012-05-17 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everyday life is defined and characterised by the rise, transformation and fall of social practices. Using terminology that is both accessible and sophisticated, this essential book guides the reader through a multi-level analysis of this dynamic. In working through core propositions about social practices and how they change the book is clear and accessible; real world examples, including the history of car driving, the emergence of frozen food, and the fate of hula hooping, bring abstract concepts to life and firmly ground them in empirical case-studies and new research. Demonstrating the relevance of social theory for public policy problems, the authors show that the everyday is the basis of social transformation addressing questions such as: how do practices emerge, exist and die? what are the elements from which practices are made? how do practices recruit practitioners? how are elements, practices and the links between them generated, renewed and reproduced? Precise, relevant and persuasive this book will inspire students and researchers from across the social sciences. Elizabeth Shove is Professor of Sociology at Lancaster University. Mika Pantzar is Research Professor at the National Consumer Research Centre, Helsinki. Matt Watson is Lecturer in Social and Cultural Geography at University of Sheffield.


The Dynamics of Language

The Dynamics of Language

Author: Rajend Mesthrie

Publisher: Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd

Published: 2018-06-26

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1775822273

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Linguistics – the close study of language and languages – is an indispensable foundation for all forms of knowledge. The African continent is blessed with hundreds of languages which act as local repositories of culture and interaction. South Africa alone has eleven official languages, plus Sign Language, many heritage languages, and new languages of global movements and migration. Part of the linguist’s business is to document, record and affirm languages and diversity. Applied linguists use their training to understand and enhance the role of language in education and upliftment, and the opportunities and challenges of new technologies of communication. The International Congress of Linguists meets every five years to reflect the development of the field and 2018 is the first time that the congress is being held in Africa. This book is a collection of the plenary and focus papers presented at the conference and thus represents current thinking in the major branches of language study as represented by leading local and international scholars. The papers discuss the history of languages, their structure, acquisition, diversity and use. At the same time due regard is paid to the African continent in connection with its linguistic diversity, multilingualism and educational and societal concerns. The Congress is meant to affirm the value of the languages of Africa, of languages and Linguistics in general, as well as to inspire and equip younger scholars to undertake advanced research into language in its many facets.


Book Synopsis The Dynamics of Language by : Rajend Mesthrie

Download or read book The Dynamics of Language written by Rajend Mesthrie and published by Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd. This book was released on 2018-06-26 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Linguistics – the close study of language and languages – is an indispensable foundation for all forms of knowledge. The African continent is blessed with hundreds of languages which act as local repositories of culture and interaction. South Africa alone has eleven official languages, plus Sign Language, many heritage languages, and new languages of global movements and migration. Part of the linguist’s business is to document, record and affirm languages and diversity. Applied linguists use their training to understand and enhance the role of language in education and upliftment, and the opportunities and challenges of new technologies of communication. The International Congress of Linguists meets every five years to reflect the development of the field and 2018 is the first time that the congress is being held in Africa. This book is a collection of the plenary and focus papers presented at the conference and thus represents current thinking in the major branches of language study as represented by leading local and international scholars. The papers discuss the history of languages, their structure, acquisition, diversity and use. At the same time due regard is paid to the African continent in connection with its linguistic diversity, multilingualism and educational and societal concerns. The Congress is meant to affirm the value of the languages of Africa, of languages and Linguistics in general, as well as to inspire and equip younger scholars to undertake advanced research into language in its many facets.


Johan van Benthem on Logic and Information Dynamics

Johan van Benthem on Logic and Information Dynamics

Author: Alexandru Baltag

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-08-27

Total Pages: 1072

ISBN-13: 3319060252

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book illustrates the program of Logical-Informational Dynamics. Rational agents exploit the information available in the world in delicate ways, adopt a wide range of epistemic attitudes, and in that process, constantly change the world itself. Logical-Informational Dynamics is about logical systems putting such activities at center stage, focusing on the events by which we acquire information and change attitudes. Its contributions show many current logics of information and change at work, often in multi-agent settings where social behavior is essential, and often stressing Johan van Benthem's pioneering work in establishing this program. However, this is not a Festschrift, but a rich tapestry for a field with a wealth of strands of its own. The reader will see the state of the art in such topics as information update, belief change, preference, learning over time, and strategic interaction in games. Moreover, no tight boundary has been enforced, and some chapters add more general mathematical or philosophical foundations or links to current trends in computer science. The theme of this book lies at the interface of many disciplines. Logic is the main methodology, but the various chapters cross easily between mathematics, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, cognitive and social sciences, while also ranging from pure theory to empirical work. Accordingly, the authors of this book represent a wide variety of original thinkers from different research communities. And their interconnected themes challenge at the same time how we think of logic, philosophy and computation. Thus, very much in line with van Benthem's work over many decades, the volume shows how all these disciplines form a natural unity in the perspective of dynamic logicians (broadly conceived) exploring their new themes today. And at the same time, in doing so, it offers a broader conception of logic with a certain grandeur, moving its horizons beyond the traditional study of consequence relations.


Book Synopsis Johan van Benthem on Logic and Information Dynamics by : Alexandru Baltag

Download or read book Johan van Benthem on Logic and Information Dynamics written by Alexandru Baltag and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-08-27 with total page 1072 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book illustrates the program of Logical-Informational Dynamics. Rational agents exploit the information available in the world in delicate ways, adopt a wide range of epistemic attitudes, and in that process, constantly change the world itself. Logical-Informational Dynamics is about logical systems putting such activities at center stage, focusing on the events by which we acquire information and change attitudes. Its contributions show many current logics of information and change at work, often in multi-agent settings where social behavior is essential, and often stressing Johan van Benthem's pioneering work in establishing this program. However, this is not a Festschrift, but a rich tapestry for a field with a wealth of strands of its own. The reader will see the state of the art in such topics as information update, belief change, preference, learning over time, and strategic interaction in games. Moreover, no tight boundary has been enforced, and some chapters add more general mathematical or philosophical foundations or links to current trends in computer science. The theme of this book lies at the interface of many disciplines. Logic is the main methodology, but the various chapters cross easily between mathematics, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, cognitive and social sciences, while also ranging from pure theory to empirical work. Accordingly, the authors of this book represent a wide variety of original thinkers from different research communities. And their interconnected themes challenge at the same time how we think of logic, philosophy and computation. Thus, very much in line with van Benthem's work over many decades, the volume shows how all these disciplines form a natural unity in the perspective of dynamic logicians (broadly conceived) exploring their new themes today. And at the same time, in doing so, it offers a broader conception of logic with a certain grandeur, moving its horizons beyond the traditional study of consequence relations.