@article {3092222, title = {Modelling linguistic causation}, journal = {Linguistics and Philosophy}, year = {Forthcoming}, abstract = {This paper develops a formal methodology for capturing and representing the semantics\ of causal expressions in natural languages. Focusing on two causative constructions{\textemdash}covert\ causatives (change-of-state verbs) and overt causatives (the verb cause){\textemdash}it provides a proof of\ concept for analyzing the distinguished meanings of different causative constructions.
We adopt the formal framework of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze causality\ and integrate it into model-theoretic semantics for interpreting causal statements. In our approach,\ the selection of a cause within a particular construction depends on its inclusion in a\ sufficient set of conditions that bring about the effect, as well as on specific properties of the cause\ itself. To formalize this process, we introduce the concept of causative-construction selection\ (CC-selection), which captures how speakers select a causative construction that aligns with the\ relational structure between states of affairs. For each relevant condition within the sufficient\ set, CC-selection determines whether it can be encoded as the cause in a statement articulated
through a specific causative construction, thereby describing a particular state of affairs. We argue\ that CC-selection plays a central role in shaping the meaning of causal statements.
By leveraging the SEM framework, CC-selection effects can be formally explained through\ contrasts within the structure of a model. For instance, notions of sufficiency and necessity, which\ play a crucial role in these selections, are rigorously defined within SEM, allowing for a precise
account of CC-selection effects. This paper further illustrates how CC-selection accounts for contrastive\ inference patterns across constructions. By focusing on the two causative constructions\ central to our discussion, it resolves longstanding puzzles associated with change-of-state verbs.
The proposed framework establishes a foundation for the systematic study of causal language,\ bridging semantics and philosophy while providing tools to investigate the interplay between\ causative constructions and their associated causal meanings.}, author = {Bar-Asher Siegal EA. and Baglini R.} }