Existential presupposition

Definition

Existential presupposition refers to the assumption that a particular entity or set of entities exists based on the use of certain linguistic expressions. This type of presupposition is triggered by specific words or phrases in a sentence, leading listeners to assume the existence of the entities in question, even if they are not explicitly mentioned. Understanding this concept is crucial for exploring how information is conveyed and interpreted in communication, particularly in relation to projection and accommodation of presuppositions in discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential presuppositions arise when sentences imply that certain entities exist without directly stating it, such as in 'The king of France is bald'.
2. Using definite descriptions typically triggers existential presuppositions, as listeners infer the existence of the referent in order to understand the statement.
3. If a sentence with an existential presupposition is negated, the presupposition often remains, which can lead to complex interpretative scenarios.
4. Listeners often resolve existential presuppositions through accommodation, accepting the implied existence of entities as part of their understanding of the conversation.
5. Existential presupposition can be challenged by context or prior knowledge, leading to different interpretations depending on what listeners know about the entities involved.

Review Questions

• How does existential presupposition influence comprehension in conversation?
  • Existential presupposition significantly impacts how listeners comprehend spoken or written language. When a speaker uses definite descriptions or other triggers, it implies that certain entities exist, allowing the listener to fill in gaps in information. This process helps facilitate smoother communication, as people often rely on shared knowledge and assumptions about existence to make sense of statements.
• Discuss how existential presupposition interacts with negation and its implications for interpretation.
  • When existential presuppositions are present in negative sentences, they can create intriguing interpretative challenges. For example, the sentence 'The king of France is not bald' still implies that there exists a king of France, even though it denies a particular quality. This shows that negation does not eliminate the presupposed existence but rather raises questions about it, prompting listeners to navigate their understanding of both existence and quality simultaneously.
• Evaluate the role of accommodation in resolving existential presuppositions and its significance for effective communication.
  • Accommodation plays a vital role in resolving existential presuppositions, allowing listeners to adjust their beliefs based on new information provided by speakers. This process is essential for effective communication because it enables individuals to incorporate implied meanings into their understanding without explicit statements. By acknowledging and accepting these assumptions, communicators can maintain coherence and relevance in discourse, leading to more meaningful exchanges.

Related terms

Definite descriptions: Phrases that denote a specific entity, often leading to existential presuppositions about the existence of that entity when used in sentences.

Presupposition triggers: Words or phrases that signal the presence of a presupposition in a statement, such as 'again', 'stop', or definite articles like 'the'.

Accommodation: The process by which listeners adjust their beliefs to accommodate the presuppositions introduced by a speaker's utterance.