Course Description

Course Name

Philosophy of Language

Session: VLNF3424

Hours & Credits

20 UK Credits

Prerequisites & Language Level

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

Assessment: essay (3000 words) [70%], write-up of seminar paper (1500 words) [30%]
Many, if not all, of the topics discussed in semantics and pragmatics have their roots in the philosophy of language. This module is designed to give students an understanding of the debates in philosophy of language that have most impact on linguistic studies of meaning. Among the topics covered will be the theory of reference and the relationship between force and mood.
As the philosophy of language is a sub-division of metaphysics, this module also provides philosophy students with an opportunity to study metaphysical issues raised by reflection on the nature of language.
Reading: Lycan, WG (2000) Philosophy of Language: A Contemporary Introduction (2nd edn.) Routledge.

*Course content subject to change