A force-theoretic framework for event structure

Bridget Copley, Heidi Harley

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    18 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We propose an account of dynamic predicates which draws on the notion of force, eliminating reference to events in the linguistic semantics. We treat dynamic predicates as predicates of forces, represented as functions from an initial situation to a final situation that occurs ceteris paribus, that is, if nothing external intervenes. The possibility that opposing forces might intervene to prevent the transition to a given final situation leads us to a novel analysis of non-culminating accomplishment predicates in a variety of languages, including the English progressive. We then apply the force-theoretic framework to the composition of basic Vendlerian eventuality types within a lexical-decomposition syntax. The difference between predicates of forces and predicates of situations is argued to underlie the dynamic/stative contrast, and also to allow for a formal treatment of the difference between be and stay. Consequences for the relationship between language and cognition are discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)103-158
    Number of pages56
    JournalLinguistics and Philosophy
    Volume38
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 28 Apr 2015

    Keywords

    • event
    • State
    • Davidson
    • Force dynamics
    • Aktionsarten
    • Progressive aspect
    • Culmination
    • Syntax–semantics interface

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