Single Idea 18053

[catalogued under 19. Language / C. Assigning Meanings / 2. Semantics]

Full Idea

The basic semantics of sentences are not truth-conditions, but rather context change potential, which is a rule which determines what the effect of uttering the sentence would be on the context.

Gist of Idea

The semantics of a sentence is its potential for changing a context

Source

Ofra Magidor (Category Mistakes [2013], 5.3.2)

Book Reference

Magidor,Ofra: 'Category Mistakes' [OUP 2013], p.127


A Reaction

[I. Heim's 'renowned' 1983 revision of Stalnaker] This means the semantics of a sentence can vary hugely, depending on context. It is known as 'dynamic semantics'. 'I think you should go ahead and do it'.

Related Idea

Idea 18052 An assertion aims to add to the content of a context [Stalnaker, by Magidor]