Postulate of meaning

Explanation

A formalized rule that establishes necessary semantic relationships between expressions. Lexical knowledge is manifested as an inference rule that bridges one concept to the next.

Example

“From ‘bachelor’ follows ‘unmarried’” can be represented as a meaning postulate.

Counterexample

A mere frequent association is not a necessary semantic relation.

Distinction

Distinguishing from Lexical Inference: A mere frequent association is not a necessary semantic relation.

Effect on thought and perception

Lexical knowledge becomes visible as an inference rule that bridges one concept to the next.

Resonance

A semantic postulate makes a directed relationship perceptible: Lexical knowledge becomes visible as an inference rule that bridges one concept to the next.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Postulate of meaning“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-019. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-019

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-019