Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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PHIL0354A-F17

Philosophy of Language

Philosophy of Language
Speaking a language is a complex form of behavior that plays a rich and varied role in human life. The philosophy of language seeks to give a philosophical account of this phenomenon, focusing on such questions as: How does language gain meaning? How does it differ from animal communication? Is language in some sense innate? Other topics to be addressed include: theories of reference and truth; the relation between language, thought, and reality; and theories of metaphor. Readings from philosophers and linguists will include works by Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Chomsky, and Pinker. (Previous course in philosophy or waiver; PHIL 0180 is also strongly recommended)3 hrs lect.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
92247
Subject Code:
PHIL
Course Number:
0354
Section Identifier:
A

Course

PHIL 0354

All Sections in Fall 2017

Fall 2017

PHIL0354A-F17 Lecture (Spackman)