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 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

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


Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to explain the point of compositional theories of meaning. 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Syllabus
1 

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

Lecture - 11 x 1 hour lecture

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminar

Assessment - 2 hour examination

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11
11 x 1 hour lecture
11
11 x 1 hour seminar
      2
2 hour examination
24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  1  60  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment  10-15 minute present  Semester 1: Assessment deadlin  10  No reassessment opportunity    Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity, This is done in class and there is no re-sit opportunity. 
Coursework  2,000 words  Semester 1: Assessment deadlin  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: