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.