Semantic Abstractionism

Abstract

Propositions may be defined by an abstraction principle, somewhat along the lines of similar accounts of abstract objects—most famously, the Neo-Fregean account of numbers. I present the basic outlines of such an account, discuss how it compares with existing theories of propositions, and sketch an initial defense from objections. The resulting theory is hyperintensional, improves on alternatives views on questions of granularity, and better fits with Linguistic methodology by codifying the practice of semanticists.