Solving the Proportion Problem: A Plea for Selectivity

Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Workshop of Logic and Engineering of Natural Language Semantics 13:16-26 (2016)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

I argues that quantificational adverbs are unselective binders over individuals. The Lewisian analysis, however, fails to recognize the ambiguity in some quantificationally modified conditionals. That the Lewisian approach cannot predict some attested reading is known as the “proportion problem.” I propose a solution based on the following ideas: (a) quantificational adverbs bind selectively; (b) a singular indefinite and its anaphoric pronoun may introduce a plural discourse referent, and (c) plural predication is elusive.

Author's Profile

Hsiang-Yun Chen
Academia Sinica

Analytics

Added to PP
2022-10-10

Downloads
201 (#85,410)

6 months
67 (#80,069)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?