On the Modularity of Case Theory: A Case against the Visibility Hypothesis
Mireille Tremblay · 1997
Abstract The system of grammar put forth in Chomsky (1981, 1986, 1993) is modular in the sense that “the full complexity of observed phenomena is traced to the interaction of partially independent subtheories, each with its own abstract structure” (Chomsky 1981:135). Within such a framework, we expect subtheories to interact at specific levels of representation (or at interfaces in the Minimalist Program [Chomsky 1993] ). Any principle or well-formedness condition making reference to more than one subtheory is highly suspicious. This chapter is concerned with two questions: To what extent are subtheories independent modules and should the interaction between those modules be allowed to be encoded formally in the theory of grammar, or should it be restricted to interaction on linguistic expressions, as has been proposed for the passive construction (see Chomsky 1981)? We argue in favor of a theory of grammar in which subtheories are completely independent and interact only at the interface. These issues are addressed with respect to Case and Theta theory.