Stalnaker's Theory

Definition

Stalnaker's Theory, developed by Robert Stalnaker, provides a framework for understanding presupposition and how it interacts with conversational context. It emphasizes the idea that presuppositions are conditions that must hold true for an utterance to be appropriately interpreted, thus influencing how information is processed during communication. The theory also discusses how presuppositions can be accommodated or projected based on the context of discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stalnaker's Theory highlights that presuppositions can be either triggered by specific linguistic elements or arise from the broader context of the conversation.
2. In Stalnaker's view, if a presupposition is not satisfied in the context, listeners might engage in accommodation to adjust their understanding.
3. The theory posits that presupposition triggers can come from different sources, such as definite descriptions, factive verbs, and quantifiers.
4. According to Stalnaker, a speaker’s presuppositions can affect how subsequent utterances are interpreted, influencing the flow of conversation.
5. Stalnaker's analysis provides insights into how conversational implicatures can arise when presuppositions interact with each other in a discourse.

Review Questions

• How does Stalnaker's Theory explain the role of context in shaping presuppositions during communication?
  • Stalnaker's Theory explains that context plays a crucial role in determining which presuppositions are accepted during communication. When speakers make utterances, they rely on shared knowledge and situational context to ensure their presuppositions are recognized. If the necessary conditions for those presuppositions are not met, listeners may need to accommodate by modifying their understanding or beliefs to make sense of what is being said.
• Discuss how Stalnaker's Theory differentiates between types of presupposition triggers and their implications for meaning.
  • Stalnaker's Theory differentiates types of presupposition triggers by categorizing them based on their linguistic sources, such as definite descriptions, factive verbs, and quantifiers. Each type brings unique implications for meaning and interpretation; for example, definite descriptions often assume the existence of a specific entity, while factive verbs imply a truth condition regarding the proposition that follows. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how various triggers influence the interpretation of utterances and shape conversations.
• Evaluate the significance of projection and accommodation in Stalnaker's Theory and their impact on conversational dynamics.
  • The significance of projection and accommodation in Stalnaker's Theory lies in their ability to explain how speakers and listeners navigate complex conversational dynamics. Projection allows presuppositions to extend across different utterances, maintaining relevance even as topics shift. Meanwhile, accommodation serves as a mechanism for listeners to align their beliefs with new information presented by speakers. This interplay not only enhances comprehension but also fosters smoother communication by enabling participants to adapt to changing contexts while preserving mutual understanding.

Related terms

Presupposition: A presupposition is an assumption or belief that is taken for granted in communication, which must be accepted as true for a statement to make sense.

Accommodation: Accommodation refers to the process through which listeners adjust their beliefs or context to include the presupposed information introduced by a speaker.

Projection: Projection involves the way presuppositions can extend or continue to hold true across different contexts and within various components of discourse.