Adjectives: A Uniform Semantic Approach - University of Windsor

Adjectives: A Uniform Semantic Approach 335
The elements x1 and x2 are equal iff x1 and x2 are the one and the same and both
of the same type.
We, also, require members of adjectives that are considered (by and large)
independent or absolute, e.g. ‘red’, be given the most generic type “T”. This type has
the lowest precedence amongst types. It is the supertype of every type in the type
hierarchy.
3.2 Examples Using the New Approach
This section contains examples (3-6) using the new approach. The examples cover
different kinds of adjective-noun combinations.
Maria is a vegetarian dancer
Maria is a singer
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Therefore, Maria is a vegetarian singer (valid)
Set representation:
Dancer= {m: dancer ,…} : dancer
Singer= {m: singer,…} : singer
Vegetarian= {m:T, …}: vegetarian where m = ||Maria||
Inference example:
├ m ∈ (Vegetarian ∩ Singer ) Expected answer: True
Reason: type “T” is a neutral type. It is overridden by all other types.
Maria is a skillful dancer
Maria is a singer
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Therefore, Maria is a skillful singer (invalid)
(Here, we distinguish two senses of ‘skillful’, i.e. the reference-modifying and the
referent-modifying. However, it is possible to use one set only)
Set representation:
Dancer= {m: dancer,…} : dancer
Singer= {m: singer,…} : singer
Skillful-1= {m: T,…} :skillful-1 i.e. the referent-modifying
Skillful-2= {m: dancer,…}:skillful-2 i.e. the reference-modifying
Inference example:
├ m ∈ (Skillfu1-2 ∩ Singer) Expected answer: False
Reason: the member “m: singer” is not in the intersection because of a type
mismatch. That is, the element “m: dancer” of the set Skillful-2 does not match any
member of the set Singer whose members are all of type singer.
John is a guitarist
John is a veteran musician
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Therefore, John is a veteran guitarist (invalid)
(3)
(4)
(5)