The role of time in considering collections

TL;DR

This paper explores how the concept of time influences the understanding of collections in AI, distinguishing between persistent and non-persistent collections over time, and analyzing criteria for choosing between these interpretations based on context.

Contribution

It introduces a nuanced analysis of de re and de dicto collections in relation to temporal aspects, highlighting their importance in AI understanding of plurals.

Findings

Differentiates de re and de dicto collections in temporal contexts

Provides criteria for choosing between collection interpretations

Emphasizes the importance of time in collection construction

Abstract

The paper concerns the understanding of plurals in the framework of Artificial Intelligence and emphasizes the role of time. The construction of collection(s) and their evolution across time is often crucial and has to be accounted for. The paper contrasts a "de dicto" collection where the collection can be considered as persisting over these situations even if its members change with a "de re" collection whose composition does not vary through time. It expresses different criteria of choice between the two interpretations (de re and de dicto) depending on the context of enunciation.