Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE
Code PHIL310
Coordinator Prof RM Gaskin
Philosophy
Richard.Gaskin@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To study some of the main issues in the contemporary philosophy of language.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to explain the point of compositional theories of meaning.

(LO2) Students will be able to explain the nature and purpose of Frege's sense-reference distinction.

(LO3) Students will be able to explain Russell's Theory of Descriptions.

(LO4) Students will be able to explain the difference between extensionality and intensionality and be able to evaluate some of the problems connected with these notions.

(LO5) Students will be able to explain and evaluate sceptical approaches to meaning, such as Quine's and Kripke's.

(LO6) Students will be able to explain and evaluate Davidson's programme of radical interpretation.

(LO7) Students will be able to explain rival theories of truth and evaluate their relative merits.

(LO8) Students will be able to explain the connections between the notions of truth and meaning, and be able to evaluate the debate between realists and anti-realists.

(S1) Students will enhance their ability to read and understand complex texts and arguments.

(S2) Students will develop their analytical skills.

(S3) Students will enhance their ability to construct arguments both orally and in writing.

(S4) Students will develop the ability to work independently.

(S5) Students will develop the ability to make appropriate use of library and internet resources.

(S6) Students will enhance their ability to write correct formal English prose on analytical issues.

(S7) Students will enhance their ability to engage in discussion about controversial and difficult matters.


Syllabus

 

Compositionality
Sense, Reference and Names
Definite Descriptions
Extensionality, Intensionality and the De Re
Scepticism about Meaning I: Quine on Analyticity and Translation
Scepticism about Meaning II: Kripke's Wittgenstein's Sceptical Paradox
'Use' Theories of Meaning and the Gricean Programme
Truth
Truth and Meaning
Radical Interpretation


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent enquiry-led research. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures through, for example: (i) taking opportunities to ask questions during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent group discussion in seminars.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars are formative spaces of applied and enquiry-led learning based on pre-set readings of primary and secondary material and facilitated by the tutor. Seminars thus offer opportunities for students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence through group discussion. One or two students take the lead each week through peer-teaching, delivering presentations based on their own enquiries and identification of questions and issues. Problem-solving activities and small-group discussions may be integrated into the seminar as and when appropriate.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

11

        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 3 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  2 hours    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 This is not an anonymous assessment.  10-15 minute present    10       
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  2,000 words    30       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.