Deictic use

Abstract

This dissertation is comprised of four chapters. In chapter 1 I examine Kaplan's theory of deictics (indexicals and demonstratives) and show that the very data that is used to support various aspects of the theory actually show it to be inadequate. In chapter 2 I present a variety of uses of deictics and argue that semantic theories in general are not equipped to handle them. In chapter 3 I examine two other views of deictic reference and show them to be inadequate. I then outline my own two component use-based theory of deictics. In my theory I combine a semantic theory of deictics with a theory of reference determining intentions by showing that the linguistic meanings of deictic terms create constraints on a speaker's referential intentions. In chapter 4 I fill out a number of aspects of my theory and deal with the attributive use of deictics.