On the ontology and semantics of absence (Friederike Moltmann)

The Logic and Metaphysics Workshop will meet on November 11th from 4:15-6:15 in-person at the Graduate Center (Room 4419) for a talk by Friederike Moltmann (CNRS).

Title: On the ontology and semantics of absence

Abstract: This talk proposes a new semantic analysis of verbs of absence such as ‘lack’ and ‘be missing’. The semantics is based on the notion of a conceptual whole and its (conceptual) parts, which generates both variable embodiments (of the whole and its structural parts) and modal objects of the sort of a ‘lack’. It involves an extension of truthmaker semantics (applied to modal objects) where truthmakers (satisfiers) now include parts of wholes. The talk rehabilitates entities of the sort of ‘lacks’ often subject to ridicule, most notoriously by Chomsky.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *