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Probability in Semantics
Article first published online: 10 DEC 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-818X.2008.00097.x
© 2008 The Author. Journal Compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Cohen, A. (2009), Probability in Semantics. Language and Linguistics Compass, 3: 265–281. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-818X.2008.00097.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 FEB 2009
- Article first published online: 10 DEC 2008
- Language and Linguistics Compass 3/1 (2009): 265–281, 10.1111/j.1749-818x.2008.00097.x
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
In truth-conditional theories of the semantics of natural language, the main tool used is logic. There are, however, cases where a probabilistic account is attractive. The role of probability can vary from complementing a truth-conditional account to replacing it. In this article, I discuss three test cases of the use of probability in semantics: generics and frequency adverbs, vagueness, and conditionals. For each case, I examine the motivation for using probability and the role it plays in the theory.