An introduction to central figures and issues in the philosophy of language, including Frege, Russell, Moore, Ayer and Quine.
This paper is ideal both for the serious philosophy student who wants to get to grips with the most important analytic philosophers of the first half of the 20th century and for the student who wishes to get a sense of what 20th-century analytic philosophy of language involves. The paper is taught by Professor Alex Miller, the author of one of the world's leading textbooks on the philosophy of language.
| Paper title | An Introduction to the Philosophy of Language |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHIL236 |
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One PHIL paper or 72 points
- Restriction
- PHIL 336
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- alex.miller@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Philosophy programme's website.
- Teaching staff
Course co-ordinator: Professor Alex Miller
- Paper Structure
In the first part of the paper we will look at Frege's account of meaning and, in particular, his distinction between sense and semantic value. Then we will look at Russell's critique of Frege and his theory of definite descriptions, followed by a discussion of G.E. Moore's open question argument and his attack on ethical naturalism. Finally, we examine Quine's attack on the analytic/synthetic distinction.
The main text for the lectures is Alexander Miller, Philosophy of Language (2nd edition Routledge 2007).
In the seminars, we will be working through A.J. Ayer's classic exposition of logical positivism - Language, Truth and Logic - and some other related papers. Study questions for the seminars will be distributed in advance, and students must attempt these and bring them along to the seminar group.
Assessment:
- Two 2,000-word essays, each worth 15% (30% total)
- Exam - 70%
- Teaching Arrangements
One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week.
- Textbooks
Alexander Miller, Philosophy of Language (3rd edition Routledge 2018).
A.J. Ayer, Language, Truth and Logic (Dover Books 1946 or any other available edition).- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
By the end of the paper, PHIL 236 students will acquire:
- The ability to make philosophical analyses and to present and assess philosophical arguments to a high standard
- The ability to grasp and critically discuss central issues in philosophy of language
- A demonstrated ability to explain and assess philosophical positions and arguments in their own words
