The Central Question in Comparative Syntactic Metatheory
Geoffrey K. Pullum · Mind & Language · 2013
Abstract Two kinds of theoretical framework for syntax are encountered in current linguistics. One emerged from the mathematization of proof theory, and is referred to here as generative‐enumerative syntax ( GES ). A less explored alternative stems from the semantic side of logic, and is here called model‐theoretic syntax ( MTS ). I sketch the outlines of each, and give a capsule summary of some mathematical results pertaining to the latter. I then briefly survey some diverse types of evidence suggesting that in some ways MTS seems better suited to theorizing about the relevant linguistic phenomena.