A Proof-Theoretic Semantics for Transitive Verbs with an Implicit Object

Abstract

The paper presents a proof-theoretic semantics for sentences headed by transitive verbs allowing an unexpressed (implicit) object. Such sentences are shown to have the same (proof-theoretic) meaning as the same sentences with an explicit existentially quantified object something. This semantics is contrasted with a model-theoretic semantics based on truthconditions in models. The models used contain in their domain “filler” elements, that have an unclear extra-theoretic significance with an unclear ontological commitments. In contrast, the proof-theoretic meaning is appealing to formal (syntactic) resources that carry no ontological commitment. Furthermore, the sameness of meaning is based on sameness of deductive role within a meaning-conferring proofsystem, based on use.