Linguistics and the Formal Sciences: The Origins of Generative Grammar

by Marcus Tomalin

• ISBN13: 9780521854818
• ISBN10: 0521854814
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-03-06
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The formal sciences, particularly mathematics, have had a profound influence on the development of linguistics. This insightful overview looks at techniques that were introduced in the fields of mathematics, logic and philosophy during the twentieth century, and explores their effect on the work of various linguists. In particular, it discusses the 'foundations crisis' that destabilised mathematics at the start of the twentieth century, the numerous related movements which sought to respond to this crisis, and how they influenced the development of syntactic theory in the 1950s. The book concludes by discussing the resulting major consequences for syntactic theory, and provides a detailed reassessment of Chomsky's early work at the advent of Generative Grammar. Informative and revealing, this book will be invaluable to all those working in formal linguistics, in particular those interested in its history and development.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
List of mathematical symbols	xii
List of abbreviations	xiii
1 Introduction	1	(20)
2 The consequences of analysis	21	(33)
2.1 Chapter overview	21	(1)
2.2 Calculus: doubts and disputes	22	(4)
2.3 Rigour, arithmetic, and axioms	26	(3)
2.4 Set theory and paradoxes	29	(3)
2.5 Logicism	32	(6)
2.6 Formalism	38	(7)
2.7 Intuitionism	45	(2)
2.8 Evangelism and pedagogy	47	(7)
3 Mathematical linguistics	54	(54)
3.1 Chapter overview	54	(1)
3.2 Axiomatics	55	(5)
3.3 Recursive definitions	60	(7)
3.4 Logical systems	67	(6)
3.5 Constructional system theory	73	(11)
3.6 Constructive nominalism	84	(4)
3.7 Formal linguistic theory	88	(18)
3.8 New directions	106	(2)
4 Systems of syntax: 1951-1955	108	(32)
4.1 Chapter overview	108	(1)
4.2 Biography and influences	109	(3)
4.3 Simplicity and grammar	112	(9)
4.4 Constructive nominalist syntax	121	(4)
4.5 Logic and linguistic theory	125	(15)
5 Transforming generative grammar: 1955-1957	140	(43)
5.1 Chapter overview	140	(1)
5.2 Stochastic processes and autonomous grammar	140	(9)
5.3 From discovery to evaluation	149	(7)
5.4 Constructional levels	156	(3)
5.5 Transforming transformations	159	(9)
5.6 Recursive rules	168	(6)
5.7 Formal syntax	174	(9)
6 Conclusion	183	(18)
Notes	201	(8)
Bibliography	209	(11)
Index	220