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. How do we learn a language? How do we represent the world by means of it? How do we change the mind and heart of others by using it?
Indicative list of topics:
What is the relation between meaning and truth?
What is a speech act? Which speech acts are there?
What is a ‘bad word’?
Assessment details
Assessment for Study Abroad student at Kings for full year: 1 x 2 hour in person examination (100%) in Assessment Period 2
Alternative Assessment for Study Abroad students at Kings for Semester 1 ONLY: 1 x 3,500 word essay (100%) due January 2026
Educational aims & objectives
The module aims to introduce students to a mix of basic and advanced topics in the philosophy of language. Examples include: meaning, reference, speech acts, convention, implicature, and social meaning.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 7 module and in particular will have become familiar with some of the central concepts in philosophy of language.
Teaching pattern
One weekly one-hour lecture and one weekly one-hour seminar.