the Role of Context in the Interpretation of Generic Sentences

Abstract

We argue that context plays an important role in the interpretation of generic sentences. The examples we use to demonstrate this have also been used to argue that normative approaches (upon which logics of normality are based) to generics have some fundamental problems related to scope. We use Barwise and Seligman's channel theory-a model of information-flow based on ideas from situation theory-as the basis for an analysis of generics that provides a context for each generic sentence and thereby avoids the problems raised. The channel-theoretic analysis provides the basis for a framework for reasoning both with generics (about the default properties of individuals) and about them ( to infer new generics). Modelling the context of a generic also allows us to model the sort of misunderstandings that may occur in a dialogue, whereby a listener misinterprets the scope of an uttered generic sentence.