Extensional context

Article summary

In any of several fields of study that treat the use of signs — for example, in linguistics, logic, mathematics, semantics, semiotics, and philosophy of language — an extensional context (or transparent context) is a syntactic environment in which a sub-sentential expression e can be replaced by an expression with the same extension and without affecting the truth-value of the sentence as a whole. Extensional contexts are contrasted with opaque contexts where truth-preserving substitutions are not possible. Take the case of Clark Kent, who is secretly Superman. Suppose that Lois Lane fell out of a window and Superman caught her. Thus the sentence "Superman caught Lois Lane" is true. Because this sentence is an extensional context, the sentence "Clark Kent caught Lois Lane" is also true. Anybody that Superman caught, Clark Kent caught. In opposition to extensional contexts are intensional contexts (which can involve modal operators and modal logic), where terms cannot be substituted without potentially compromising the truth-value. Suppose that Lois Lane believes that Clark Kent will investigate a news story with her. Thus, the sentence "Lois Lane believes that Clark Kent will investigate a news story with her" is true. However, the statement, "Lois Lane believes that Superman will investigate a news story with her," is false.…

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Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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