A Semantics for Indicative Conditionals

SPEAKER

John Cantwell

ABSTRACT

I propose a general semantic framework for conditionals using a semantic
version of the Ramsey test: "If A, then B" is true if and only if B is
true under the assumption that A. The account presupposes a semantics
for conditional assertions and I sketch a branching-time structure that
accounts for conditional assertions in both the subjunctive and
indicative mood. The logic is axiomatized and I briefly illustrate how
the semantic framework can be used to explain the strange behavour of
conditional modal claims.