Polysemy or generality? Mu

This chapter proposes a conception of lexical meaning as use-potential, in contrast to prevailing atomistic and reificational views. The issues are illustrated on the example of spatial expressions, pre-eminently prepositions. It is argued that the dichotomy between polysemy and semantic generality is a false one, with expressions occupying points on a continuum from full homonymy to full monosemy, and with typical cases of polysemy falling in between. The notion of use-potential is explored in connectionist models of spatial categorization. Some possible objections to the use-potential approach are also addressed