Philosophy of Language Research Group

Description

The logic and language group conducts research on the nature of meaning and propositions, formal semantics, metasemantics, pragmatics, syntax, semantic paradoxes, theories of truth, and the foundations of mathematics The group brings together researchers working in these core areas of philosophy. Specific interests include Godel's results, theories of truth deflationism, semantic paradoxes, the applicability of mathematics, theoretical syntax, pragmatics, proof theory, and non-classical logic.

The group is currently working on the following research questions:

• What is the nature of propositions? Are these structured entities or rather sets of worlds?
• What is the meaning of referential terms such as names, descriptions, indexicals, and demonstratives?
• What is the relation between semantic values and various types of content?
• What is the meaning of epistemic and deontic modal expressions?
• Is there a common meaning to the many uses of 'if' clauses, and if so, what is it?
• How should possible worlds be construed for the purpose of possible worlds semantics?
• What is being modelled when meanings are assigned to expressions: Processes in the brain? Social conventions? Speaker intuitions? Something else?

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University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh