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17. The uncertainty of syntactic theorizing

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Current Approaches to Syntax
Ein Kapitel aus dem Buch Current Approaches to Syntax

Abstract

In this paper, we present a metatheoretical model and show how it serves to capture some basic properties of generative linguistic theorizing. By ‘generative linguistic theorizing’, we mean actual research practice, i. e. research activities performed while elaborating, putting forward, applying, and testing particular versions of generative linguistics. We call our metatheoretical approach the p-model of plausible argumentation. With the help of the p-model, we will show that the way in which generative linguistics has proceeded over the past decades and is functioning today differs significantly from the self-image of generative linguists as documented in the literature. Thus, we will show that generative linguistic research is built on uncertainty rather than certainty; it tolerates inconsistency instead of defending consistency at all costs; the structure of its theories is not static, but dynamic; and its development is not linear, but cyclic and prismatic.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a metatheoretical model and show how it serves to capture some basic properties of generative linguistic theorizing. By ‘generative linguistic theorizing’, we mean actual research practice, i. e. research activities performed while elaborating, putting forward, applying, and testing particular versions of generative linguistics. We call our metatheoretical approach the p-model of plausible argumentation. With the help of the p-model, we will show that the way in which generative linguistics has proceeded over the past decades and is functioning today differs significantly from the self-image of generative linguists as documented in the literature. Thus, we will show that generative linguistic research is built on uncertainty rather than certainty; it tolerates inconsistency instead of defending consistency at all costs; the structure of its theories is not static, but dynamic; and its development is not linear, but cyclic and prismatic.

Kapitel in diesem Buch

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgment V
  3. Contents VII
  4. Biographical Sketches XI
  5. 1. Introduction 1
  6. Part I: Approaches to syntax
  7. 2. Cognitive Grammar 23
  8. 3. Construction Grammar 49
  9. 4. Simpler Syntax 97
  10. 5. Lexical Functional Grammar 123
  11. 6. The Decathlon Model 155
  12. 7. The Stupendous Success of the Minimalist Program 187
  13. 8. The Parallel Architecture 215
  14. 9. Usage-based Grammar 241
  15. 10. Optimality-theoretic Syntax 263
  16. 11. The Functional Discourse Grammar approach to syntax 291
  17. 12. Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar 317
  18. 13. Dependency Grammar 361
  19. 14. Combinatory Categorial Grammar 389
  20. Part II: Metatheoretical foundations
  21. 15. Syntactic knowledge and intersubjectivity 423
  22. 16. Hermeneutics and generative linguistics 441
  23. 17. The uncertainty of syntactic theorizing 469
  24. 18. The multiparadigmatic structure of science and generative grammar 493
  25. 19. The philosophy of generative linguistics: best theory criteria 521
  26. 20. The research programme of Chomskyan linguistics 549
  27. 21. Conclusions: On the use of the comparison of syntactic theories 573
  28. Author Index 583
  29. Language Index 593
  30. Subject Index 595
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110540253-017

Kapitel in diesem Buch

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Acknowledgment V
  3. Contents VII
  4. Biographical Sketches XI
  5. 1. Introduction 1
  6. Part I: Approaches to syntax
  7. 2. Cognitive Grammar 23
  8. 3. Construction Grammar 49
  9. 4. Simpler Syntax 97
  10. 5. Lexical Functional Grammar 123
  11. 6. The Decathlon Model 155
  12. 7. The Stupendous Success of the Minimalist Program 187
  13. 8. The Parallel Architecture 215
  14. 9. Usage-based Grammar 241
  15. 10. Optimality-theoretic Syntax 263
  16. 11. The Functional Discourse Grammar approach to syntax 291
  17. 12. Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar 317
  18. 13. Dependency Grammar 361
  19. 14. Combinatory Categorial Grammar 389
  20. Part II: Metatheoretical foundations
  21. 15. Syntactic knowledge and intersubjectivity 423
  22. 16. Hermeneutics and generative linguistics 441
  23. 17. The uncertainty of syntactic theorizing 469
  24. 18. The multiparadigmatic structure of science and generative grammar 493
  25. 19. The philosophy of generative linguistics: best theory criteria 521
  26. 20. The research programme of Chomskyan linguistics 549
  27. 21. Conclusions: On the use of the comparison of syntactic theories 573
  28. Author Index 583
  29. Language Index 593
  30. Subject Index 595
Heruntergeladen am 7.5.2026 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110540253-017/html?lang=de
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