Logic and Conversation

Course manual 2025/2026

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

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 theorie.s

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Two lectures a week, two hours each.

Learning activities

Attendance

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

Assessment

Assignments

Final paper

• Final paper

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

Additional information

The program varies from year to year. A detailed program, as well as more specific course objectives, will be made available on: www.illc.uva.nl/inquisitivesemantics

Contact information

Coordinator

• prof. dr. Floris Roelofsen