From words to propositions: rethinking meaning construction in conceptual engineering

Abstract Conceptual Engineering (CE) aims to improve linguistic meanings for theoretical, social, or political purposes, yet faces persistent implementation challenges. This paper argues that effective intervention requires understanding how propositional content emerges from interactions between lexical meanings and contextual factors. I evaluate different theories of propositions and argue that dynamic functional propositions, formalised through Default Discourse Semantics (DDS), provide a suitable framework for CE. DDS models how different information sources and processes interact to construct communicated content. Using formal analysis and a hypothetical case study, I illustrate what propositional CE would require and suggest how this framework might inform intervention strategies.