Philosophy
Current Students: Undergraduates
Core modules and Options at Level 10
PHI9LA - Philosophy of Language
A key tenet of analytic philosophy is summed up in this quotation from Michael Dummett:
"Philosophy attempts, not to discover new truths about the world, but to gain a clear view of what we already know and believe about it. That depends upon attaining a more explicit grasp of the structure of our thoughts; and that in turn on discovering how to give a systematic account of the working of language, the medium in which we express our thoughts."
Philosophers in the analytic tradition have maintained that issues in metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, and even moral philosophy can be addressed only through an account of the meaning of the language in which our claims about the world are expressed and in which the contents of our thoughts are manifest.
Outcomes
The module aims to clarify and assess such general claims by considering central topics in the philosophy of language, among them: the connection of meaning and truth, and of meaning and intention; the contrast between the sense and reference of words; the opposition between semantic externalism and internalism; and connections between views about the reference of words and necessity.
By means of this specific programme, the module further aims to improve critical reading, critical thinking, and oral communication skills through the seminar discussion and essay writing processes. (Refer to Section B of the Student Handbook for more details.)
Reading
The course will largely follow this text (which focuses on key articles):
| Michael Morris | An Intorduction to the Philosophy of Language | (Cambridge UP, 2007) |
Supplementary text:
| Alex Miller | Philosophy of Language (Second Edition) | (Routledge, 2007) |
Useful anthologies:
| A. W. Moore (ed.) | Meaning and Reference | (Oxford University Press) |
| A. P. Martinich (ed.) | Philosophy of Language (5th edition) | (Oxford University Press) |
Availability: |
Honours (semester 5 or 7), 3 Year Degree, General. |
|---|---|
Prerequisite: |
Any level 9 Philosophy module. |
Assessment: |
Coursework 50 per cent - one required, one recommended essay Examination 50 percent - three hours, three questions |
Teaching Pattern: |
Two one-hour lectures and one one-hour seminar each week. |
Regulations: |
For the purposes of the University’s attendance regulation 14, both lectures and seminars are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters. |
Module Co-ordinator: |
Professor Peter Milne, Room A75 |
If you would like to know more about this module please contact Peter Milne.