Loading...
PHIL 250-01, Philosophy of Language, Fall 2005
O'Sullivan, Brendan
O'Sullivan, Brendan
Citations
Altmetric:
Contributor
Photographer
Author
Artist
Editor
Advisor
Keywords
Philosophy, Department of, Syllabus, Curriculum, Academic departments, Text, 2005 Fall
Local ID
Collections
Abstract
This course aims to provide an introduction to some of the central issues in the philosophy of language. We will focus on two key concepts, meaning and reference. Among the questions that we shall address are the following:
1. How do words attach to the world? ‘Tree’ is about trees, and not about grass. What makes that true?
a. Is it something about us, about our intentions, or is it something about the world?
2. What kind of constraints are there on interpreting meaningful texts?
a. Are all interpretations equally defensible? Or are there standards of interpretation? If so, what are they?
3. What is meaning? What is a word’s meaning? Is meaning ultimately a bankrupt concept that should be expelled from philosophy?
4. How does our conception of meaning affect our theory of knowledge?
5. How does our conception of meaning affect our theory of mind?
6. What is the nature of metaphor?
Description
This syllabus was submitted to the Rhodes College Office of Academic Affairs by the course instructor.