Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.52685/cjp.25.75.6

Sobel-esque Sequences and Felicity Judgments in Philosophy of Language

Adam Michael Sennet ; University of California, Davis, USA *
Tyrus Fisher ; Independent scholar

* Corresponding author.

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.

Keywords

Subjunctive Conditional; Sobel sequence; pragmatics; dynamic semantics; counterfactual

Hrčak ID:

343191

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/343191

Publication date:

13.1.2026.

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