Conceptual Associations and Weak Existential Assertions

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the difference between two types of existential assertions, viz. strong existential assertions and weak existential assertions. This distinction is based on the concept of relevance as defined by Sperber and Wilson (1986). The strengh of an existential assertion can be influenced by different factors. In this article, we try to identify the factors which make an existential assertion weak. A particular attention is devoted to the conceptual factors, among which conceptual associations play a prominent role