The hottest Semantics Substack posts right now

A formal language for first-order predicate logic involves understanding the basic syntax, terms, variables, and structure interpretations.
Signatures in structures specify the elements like relations, functions, and constants in a mathematical structure, detailing their features and meanings.
Mathematics uses a wide array of first-order structures to study various concepts like orders, graphs, groups, and more, unifying different mathematical investigations.

First-order predicate logic provides a formal language and semantics capable of expressing fine distinctions and shades of meaning.
Understanding quantifiers, such as ∃ and ∀, is crucial in first-order logic as they allow one to make statements like 'there is an x such that φ' or 'every x has property φ.'
Engaging in logic puzzles and practice can help in developing a deeper comprehension of first-order logic concepts and their applications.

Truth in a structure is defined by recursion on sentences, reducing to assertions with temporary assignments of variables
The concept of valuation in a model involves assigning variables to specific individuals, treating them as constants in that context
Tarski's disquotational theory of truth posits that an assertion is true when the proposition it asserts is true, forming the foundation of a compositional theory of truth

Ethical subjectivism argues that moral statements reflect individual values or the values a better version of oneself would hold.
Speaker subjectivism provides reasons for moral actions based on what a better version of oneself would want.
Speaker-subjectivist semantics offer benefits like explaining moral truths, guiding moral debates, and accounting for confidence in moral beliefs.

Language is complex and words can have multiple meanings depending on context. Understanding the sense and reference of words is crucial.
The concept of 'woman' can have different meanings based on social or biological contexts. Recognizing these different senses is important for productive discussions.
Biological sex may be irrelevant in many situations, but there are contexts, like athletics, where it remains important. Balancing different senses of 'woman' is key to resolving debates about gender identity.

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Enjambment is a technique in writing where a thought is split between lines or structural units for reading flow.
Enjambment is not only found in poetry, but also in other mediums like film and music, enhancing the flow of storytelling.
Enjambment can be applied in non-poetic writing, such as prose, by strategically breaking up paragraphs or sentences to create suspense and flow.

The proposed system allows anyone to attach digital content to real-world objects using language.
Users should have control over the language used to describe the world around them in augmented reality.
A cascading lookup system in the 'say' operations can provide scalable user choice in accessing digital content.

The post discusses the reimagined scene symbolizing Husserl and Wittgenstein's victory over post-structuralist thought.
The author integrates notions of semantic intention and private vs. public language into a comprehensive format.
The dialogue with ChatGPT-4 reveals the author's struggle with interface problems and the need for specific inquiry to achieve desired outcomes.