Module description
Possession of a language has been considered ‘the core defining feature of modern humans, the source of human creativity, cultural enrichment, and complex social structure’ (Noam Chomsky). Philosophy of language tries to understand what is involved in possessing and using language. It asks questions about linguistic meaning and reference as well as about what we do with words (threaten, praise, promise). Indicative questions are:
- What makes sounds meaningful?
- What is it to follow a rule?
- What is a speech act? Which speech acts are there?
What is a ‘bad word’?
Assessment details
Summative assessment: 1 x 2-hour exam (100%)
Formative assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay.
Educational aims & objectives
The course will introduce some central topics in philosophy of language, and will offer students an opportunity to develop their analytical skills.
Learning outcomes
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The course will introduce some central topics in philosophy of language, and will offer students an opportunity to develop their analytical skills.
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- Students will understand a range of theories and arguments covering central topics in philosophy of language.
- Students will learn to analyse and assess philosophical positions and arguments.
- Students will learn to express ideas precisely in writing and speech, and to select and arrange material in writing.
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Teaching pattern
One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks.
Suggested reading list
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- J.L. Austin 1962. How to Do Things with Words. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- P. Elbourne, 2011. Meaning: A Slim Guide to Semantics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- P. Grice 1957, ‘Meaning’, The Philosophical Review, 66: 377–88.
- S. Kripke, 1980. Naming and Necessity. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
- Kripke, S. 1982. Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language. Mass.: Harvard University Press.
- William Lycan, 2008. Philosophy of Language: A Contemporary Introduction, 2nd end., London: Routledge. ·