W. Woods, What's in a link: Foundations for Semantic Networks. Representation and Understanding, D. Bobrow and A. Collins (eds.), Academic Press, 1975.

Author of the summary: J. William Murdock, 1997, murdock@cc.gatech.edu

Cite this paper for:

• Representing the meaning of language requires that we represent not just what is true but also what is meant.

Keywords: Semantic Network, Natural Language, Representation

Systems: None

Summary: Discusses perspectives on the nature of semantics.  Takes the
view that semantics is the {\em relationship} between form and meaning
rather than either the form or the meaning itself.  Rejects the notion
of a canonical form for meanings.  Focuses heavily on the need for
"intensional" representation for representing entities and
distinctions between entities that are hypothetical, believed,
implied, etc.  Talks about some particular grammatical structures in
terms of how they should be represented.

Summary author's notes:

• This summary came from a file which had the following disclaimer: "The following summaries are the completely unedited and often hastily composed interpretations of a single individual without any sort of systematic or considered review. As such it is very likely that at least some of the following text is incomplete, inadequate, misleading, or simply wrong. One might view this as a very preliminary draft of a survey paper that will probably never be completed. The author disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy or use of this document; this is not an official publication of the Georgia Institute of Technology or the College of Computing thereof, and the opinions expressed here may not even fully match the fully considered opinions of the author much less the general opinions of the aformentioned organizations."