Situation Semantics: the ontological balance sheet

Abstract. One of the important challenges facing NL semantics in the early 21st century is to theoretically underpin analysis and generation of conversational interaction. I start by considering certain requirements a semantic framework needs in order to be viable for this task, with reference to a benchmark example. One fundamental requirement is the provision of an ontology which incorporates propositions, questions, and similar abstract entities. The main theme of this paper concerns the construction of such an ontology. I argue that Barwise and Perry’s approach to ontology—including its nonstandard trichotomy distinguishing between situations/events, situation types, and propositions—provides useful building blocks. I implement the construction using the type theoretic framework developed by Cooper (this journal).