March 1, 1987

Implicature and Definite Reference

Citation

Hobbs, J. R. (1987). Implicature and definite reference. SRI INTERNATIONAL MENLO PARK CA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER.

Abstract

An account is given of the appropriateness conditions for definite reference, in terms of the operations of inference and implicature. It is shown how a number of problematic cases noticed by Hawkins can be explained in this framework. In addition, the use of unresolvable definite noun phrases as a literary device and definite noun phrases with nonrestrictive material can be explained within the same framework.

↓ Download

Read more from SRI

November 20, 2024

SRI and University of Houston receive $3.6M to develop a microreactor to convert carbon dioxide to methanol using renewable energy

By recycling carbon dioxide into methanol, this science supports U.S. climate goals and helps reduce greenhouse gases.
November 18, 2024

Teaching machines to learn like humans could help autonomous systems deal with unfamiliar environments

SRI is spearheading a way for autonomous systems, such as self-driving vehicles and drones, to effectively operate in evolving and adversarial environments such as war zones.
November 13, 2024

Office of Special Education Programs extends SRI’s funding for the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems

The U.S. Department of Education issues a third five-year cooperative agreement to SRI to lead The DaSy Center.

Implicature and Definite Reference

Abstract

Read more from SRI

SRI and University of Houston receive $3.6M to develop a microreactor to convert carbon dioxide to methanol using renewable energy

Teaching machines to learn like humans could help autonomous systems deal with unfamiliar environments

Office of Special Education Programs extends SRI’s funding for the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems