The nature of language and meaning has been a pivotal concern of twentieth-century philosophers. This course will address topics such as reference, the role of speaker intentions, and the indeterminacy of translation. Students will be introduced to several strands of philosophy of language such as formal semantics and ordinary language philosophy, and will become familiar with the writings of philosophers ranging from Frege, Russell, and Wittgenstein to Quine, Austin, Putnam, Searle, Chomsky, Davidson, and others. Any 100-level course in philosophy, any First Year Studies course taught by a member of the philosophy department, or consent. An inquiry into issues and problems that are now at the center of philosopical attention.
Topics vary from semester to semester in accordance with current interests of students and faculty.
Any 100-level course in philosophy, any First Year Studies course taught by a member of the philosophy department, or consent. A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. The topic varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the students and the interests of the Department. Recent seminars have dealt with Heidegger, Nietzsche and Wittgenstein, Quine, Rawls, James, and Sartre. In the spring semester, senior philosophy majors present a paper in a symposium format to their peers and to philosophy faculty.