A framework for the hyperintensional semantics of natural language with two implementations

Abstract

In this paper we present a framework for constructing hyperintensional semantics for natural language. On this approach, the axiom of extensionality is discarded from the axiom base of a logic. Weaker conditions are specified for the connection between equivalence and identity which prevent the reduction of the former relation to the latter. In addition, by axiomatising an intensional number theory we can provide an internal account of proportional cardinality quantifiers, like most. We use a (pre-)lattice defined in terms of a (pre-)order that models the entailment relation. Possible worlds/situations/indices are then prime filters of propositions in the (pre-)lattice. Truth in a world/situation is then reducible to membership of a prime filter. We showho wthi s approach can be implemented within (i) an intensional higher-order type theory, and (ii) first-order property theory.