Philosophy of language
Richard Holton and Lloyd Humberstone
8 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: Two second-year philosophy subjects - PHL2090 or PHL2170 strongly recommended
The subject will provide an introduction to some major themes in the recent philosophy of language. Among the topics to be covered will be theories of reference and truth, the theory of meaning and the theory of performative utterances. The philosophy of language has come to be a central concern in contemporary analytical philosophy. Issues in the philosophy of language are often crucial in modern debates in fields as diverse as ethics, philosophy of mind and metaphysics. The aim of this subject is to provide essential background in the philosophy of language for students intending to go on in philosophy; it will be particularly relevant to PHL3590 (Mind and meaning) and PHL4820 (Logic and language).
Assessment
Two essays (3000 words each): 50% each * Optional replacement of one essay by a 3-hour examination
Prescribed texts
Kripke S Naming and necessity Blackwell