Cumulativity from Homogeneity
Name
chatain-kchatain-phd-24-2021-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
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1.36 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
9637895d5500892de65c9098ebe02579
Author(s)
Chatain, Keny
Advisor(s)
Hackl, Martin
Date Issued
September 2021
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Since Schein (1996), cumulative readings of quantifiers have often motivated a departure from standard assumptions about composition. This dissertation proposes a new theory of these cumulative readings that connects them to the phenomenon of homogeneity. Specifically, taking inspiration from Bar-Lev (2018), I argue that predicates sometimes have weak existential meanings, which are revealed when placed under negation. The stronger meaning observed in positive sentences are the result of a procedure of exhaustification. By recognizing predicates' underlying weak meanings and their liability to strengthening, cumulative reading of quantifiers can be accounted for by maintaining relatively standard assumptions about composition. This analysis predicts a range of intricate cases, including Schein's famous video-game examples. It also predicts the truth-conditions of negative cumulative sentences and asymmetries in the availability of cumulative readings of quantifiers.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
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