Introduction to Formal Semantics

Two of the most influential and fruitful ideas in modern philosophy of language are that linguistic meaning is compositional, and that an essential component of a sentence's meaning are the conditions under which it is true and false, respectively.

These ideas have given rise to the research field called formal semantics. This course provides a thorough introduction to this field of study.

Registration

Before the start of the course, an email is sent out to all accepted students, with information and instructions. Admitted students are expected to register themselves (web registration).

Mer om kursens innehåll: In this course, students will be given a comprehensive introduction to the field of formal semantics with a particular emphasis on topics relevant to philosophy and philosophy of language. The main objective of the course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of the mathematical and logical tools normally used in formal semantics for natural language, e.g. set theory, model theory, type theory, and the lambda calculus, as well as a thorough grasp of key concepts in logic and philosophy of language such as recursion and compositionality. The course will include sessions on first order logic, set theory, type theory, applications of the lambda calculus, the semantic analysis of predicates, adjectival modifiers, relative clauses, and quantifiers, the syntax and semantics of anaphoric pronouns, and modal and conditional constructions. 

Learning platform: Reading instructions, detailed course planning and more will be posted on the course's Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and have been registered on the course automatically become participants on the course's Athena page. 

Teacher autumn semester 2024: Anders Schoubye.

Form of teaching: The teaching will be conducted in the form of lectures and discussions. See syllabus for attendance requirements. 

Expected learning outcomes, as well as information about the grading scale: See the syllabus. 

Grading criteria: Will be provided by the teacher on the course's Athena page before the start of the course.




 The course is examined through home assignments.


The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Student office

Director of studies: Mattias Högström mattias.hogstrom@philosophy.su.se

Study councelling studievagledning@philosophy.su.se

Teacher: Anders Schoubye anders.schoubye@philosophy.su.se

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