Are Quantifier Phrases Always Quantificational? The Case of ‘Every F’ Cover Image

Are Quantifier Phrases Always Quantificational? The Case of ‘Every F’
Are Quantifier Phrases Always Quantificational? The Case of ‘Every F’

Author(s): Pierre Baumann
Subject(s): Logic, Philosophy of Language
Published by: Filozofický ústav SAV
Keywords: Determiners; Generalized Quantifier Theory; Gricean pragmatics; quantifiers; reference;

Summary/Abstract: This paper argues that English quantifier phrases of the form ‘every F’ admit of a literal referential interpretation, contrary to the standard semantic account of this expression, according to which it denotes a set and a second-order relation. Various arguments are offered in favor of the referential interpretation, and two likely objections to it are forestalled.

  • Issue Year: 20/2013
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 143-172
  • Page Count: 30
  • Language: English