Sobel-esque Sequences and Felicity Judgments in Philosophy of Language
Abstract
This paper considers reverse Sobel sequences, NPI licensing, and related speaker judgments as they bear on von Fintel-style dynamic approaches to the semantics of subjunctive conditionals. We argue that neither reverse Sobel sequences nor von Fintel’s explanation of NPI licensing speak in favor of von Fintel’s semantics and that the alternative Lewisian approach, augmented by Moss-style pragmatic considerations, can accommodate and predict the relevant data at least as well as, and in some cases better than, von Fintel’s view. Our arguments include counterexamples to von Fintel’s semantics with respect to both its treatment of reverse Sobel sequences and NPI licensing.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Syntax
Semantics
Linguistic Variation
Logic
Reasoning
and Knowledge
Epistemology
Ethics
and Metaphysics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Croatian Journal of Philosophy
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 75
- Pages
- 383–409
- Publication date
- 13 January 2026
- Language
- EN