Logic and Conversation

6 EC

Semester 1, period 2

5314LOCO6Y

Owner Master Logic
Coordinator prof. dr. Floris Roelofsen
Part of Master Logic, Master Logic, track Logic and Computation, Master Logic, track Logic and Philosophy, Master Logic, track Logic and Language, Master Logic, track Logic and Mathematics, Master Logic, track Logic Year, year 1Master Logic, track Exchange, year 1

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

The theme of the course is the interplay between semantics and pragmatics in the interpretation of natural language discourse, and the role of logic in formulating semantic and pragmatic theories. Traditionally, logic is concerned with the characterization of valid reasoning and argumentation, and therefore focusses on informative content, defined in terms of truth conditions. When analyzing conversation, however, other notions become of interest as well. In particular, besides informative content, inquisitive content also comes to play a crucial role.

Study materials

Syllabus

  • Inquisitive Semantics book

Other

  • Articles and parts of books, made available online.

Objectives

  • In-depth understanding of logical frameworks used in natural language semantics
  • Ability to analyse complex linguistic phenomena using these logical frameworks
  • Ability to evaluate logical semantic frameworks and theories of particular phenomena
  • Ability to extend existing frameworks and improve existing semantic theories

Teaching methods

  • Lecture

Two lectures a week, two hours each.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER-B).

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

Data collection exercise

Must be ≥ pass

1 (33%)

Assignment 1

Mandatory

1 (33%)

Assignment 2

Mandatory

1 (33%)

Final paper

Mandatory

Both assignments count for 20%. The final paper counts for 60%.

Inspection of assessed work

The manner of inspection will be communicated via the lecturer's website.

Assignments

  • The data collection exercise is posted on Monday 28/10 and is due on Monday 11/11 before class.
  • Assignment 1 is posted on Thursday 31/10 and is due on Monday 18/11 before class.
  • Assignment 2 is posted on Monday 18/11 and is due on Thursday 5/12 before class.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
1    
2    
3    
4    
5    
6    
7    
8    

 see: https://projects.illc.uva.nl/inquisitivesemantics/courses/2024-amsterdam.html

Additional information

The program varies from year to year. A detailed program, as well as more specific course objectives, will be made available on: https://projects.illc.uva.nl/inquisitivesemantics/courses/2024-amsterdam.html

Contact information

Coordinator

  • prof. dr. Floris Roelofsen

Staff

  • Tomasz Klochowicz