An Exploration of Semantic Formalisms - Part I: A Comparison of First Order Predicate Calculus, Intensional Logic and Conceptual Structures
Craig Thomas · QSpace (Queen's University Library) · 2009
This summary paper describes the general properties and features of two systems of semantic representation: Montague's Intensional Logic and Jackendoff's Conceptual Structures.Each system of representation is based upon a different type of semantic theory, and thus each one is meant to express different semantic and linguistic phenomena.The basic concepts of how each formalism works and their expressiveness will be explored.Several linguistic phenomena will be explained and used as test cases to demonstrate the expressiveness and limitations of each semantic formalism.Additionally, the first order predicate calculus is explained and used to express linguistic phenomena as an aid for the reader.