The formal origins of syntactic theory

This paper explores the influence of mathematics on the development of syntactic theory in the 20th century. In particular, Hilbertian Formalism is discussed, with specific reference to the use of formal proof-theoretical procedures, the annexation of recursive function theory and the assumption that mathematical form and meaning are separable. It is shown that certain of these pre-occupations began to influence the later work of the post-Bloomfieldians and that, ultimately, various techniques derived from the Formalist enterprise were directly incorporated into early versions of Transformational Generative Grammar.