Kai Wehmeier: Truth in Modal Language

Grolog lecture by Kai Wehmeier (UC Irvine)

Modal operator languages are, in a precise sense, mere notational variants of certain first-order languages. Nevertheless, the universally accepted definition of truth in a model for such operator languages differs significantly from the universally accepted definition of truth in a model for first-order languages. I will explore these differences and argue that there are good reasons for construing truth in a model along first-order, Tarskian lines. I then illustrate by means of an example or two how such a reorientation has remarkable repercussions for our picture of the logical structure of language.

When & where?

Thu 5 November, 3.15-5 pm
Faculty of Philosophy, room Gamma