Dynamic Semantics for Metaphor

Abstract

An intensional logic with dynamic interpretation is presented to provide a formal semantics for sense extension, lexical ambiguity, and metaphoricity. Intentionality is required to provide the right account of polysemy and homonymy. The dynamics are required to allow the interpretation of a sentence to impact the interpretation of subsequent sentences by adding any extended expressions. Metaphoricity is captured in the classification of indexes at which expressions are evaluated. A mechanism for deciding which predicates to extend is not provided; the intent is rather to demonstrate how dynamic logic can accommodate sense generation and extension. The system is presented, explained, and argued to capture important features of metaphor creation. It provides existential proof of the potential for formal model theoretic semantics to contribute to the theory of metaphor.