A Possible Dilemma for Situation Semanticists

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of information in situation semantics. For this purpose the most fundamental principles of situation semantics are classified into three groups: (1) principles of the more fundamental kind, (2) principles related to regularity, and (3) principles governing incremental information. Fodor's well-known criticisms of situation semanticists' concepts of information target the first group. Interestingly, situation semanticists have been anxious to articulate either the principles of the second group or the principles of the third group in order to meet these criticisms. Based on these observations, I will launch a dilemma for situation semanticists. Either they fail to handle information about individuals or they fail to present any acceptable account of the laws of nature. Millikan's version of situation semantics, I shall argue, is not the exception to the rule.