PHIL 370
PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE
PHIL 370. Philosophy of Language
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisite: Three hours of philosophy
This course examines the contemporary philosophical focus on language. Course topics include the nature and functions of language and theories of meaning. The course will consider both the historical roots and recent developments in the area.
This course will focus in a dual way on the linguistic turn in contemporary thought. First, a brief text, laying out many of the fundamental issues and distinctions in Anglo-American philosophy of language will be studied. After gaining a broad picture of the basic issues and ideas in philosophy of language, the study will turn to the thought of Ludwig Wittgenstein to determine how his thought derives from a radical reflection on language. Texts may include the following:
The lecture method will be used with discussion. A class presentation on some aspect of language and class participation will also be included in the methodology which will be followed.
Students should:
1. Develop an understanding of the issues and implications of the current status of the study of philosophy of language.
2. Know the significance of the study of philosophy of language.
3. Attain an indepth knowledge of one of the great contemporary thinkers in this field.
The grade will be based on a mid-term examination which is worth 25% of the grade. The final examination will be worth 30%; a journal of reflections on language (turned in three times) is worth 15%; a class presentation will be worth 15%; and class participation will comprise the remaining 15%.
This course may be used as a department elective for Philosophy and Religious Studies major.
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
July 1991 None Charles D. Taylor, Chair
May 1994 None Kim J. Kipling, Chair
May 1995 Catalog entry revised. Kim J. Kipling, Chair
January 27, 1997 Course number change Approved by VPAA
April 17, 1998 Reviewed Kim Kipling
September 18, 2001 Reviewed Kim Kipling