On Context Dependence In Modal Constructions

Abstract

This paper investigates a new representation format for dynamic discourse in DRT, where contextual dynamics is modeled in terms of update conditions. This new representation format is motivated by the study of context dependence in modal constructions, in particular by serious problems besetting ear­lier approaches to modality and modal subordination in DRT. We present an alternative DRT analysis that provides a unified analysis of relative modality and modal subordination, and which accounts for a wider range of data as regards modal subordination relative to negation and graded modal contexts.