# Formal Semantics Formal semantics takes set-theoretic approach e.g., cat': the set of all cats; bird': the set of all birds. It uses meaning postulates, for example $\forall x\left[\right.$ bachelor' $(x) \rightarrow \operatorname{man}^{\prime}(x) \wedge unmarried'\left.(x)\right]$ However, defining concepts through enumeration of all of their features in practice is highly problematic. How would you define abstract words like thought, democracy? It is impossible for most concepts. An alternative to set-theoritic approach is the [[Prototype Theory]]. --- ## References 1. Chapter 19, Jurafsky and Martin, 2019