Philosophy of language and mind

How can words have meanings? How can our thoughts be ‘about’ the world? Is it true that ‘the limits of my language are the limits of my world’ (Wittgenstein)? This course examines such problems.

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Key course information

Date
26/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 15:30

Fees
Full fee: £38^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP049

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course introduces and explores two central problems of philosophy: How can words have meanings? And what is the relationship between language and thought? We begin with some traditional answers to these questions, which will guide us through contemporary debates in the philosophy of language and mind.

What topics will we cover?

We will be exploring a range of interconnected topics: How can a word ‘refer’ to a thing? How can a thought be ‘about’ the world? Can language be explained scientifically, or will there always be something mysterious about it? How do we learn languages? Can a child think before it can speak? Can an animal have beliefs, desires and intentions? Are there thoughts that can’t be put into words?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Present a basic theory of linguistic meaning (i.e. of how words can have meanings).
Distinguish between alternative theories of linguistic meaning.
Explain the relevance of problems of linguistic meaning to theories of mind.
Give reasons for and against some contemporary theories of mind.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Though some students may completed other philosophy courses at the City Lit or elsewhere, no previous study of the subject is presupposed. You should be ready to read a few pages of a philosophical text each week, and to grapple with and discuss some difficult ideas. But the aim of the course is to help you explore these texts and ideas, to find out what interests you in them, and to reach your own conclusions!

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Sessions will consists of lecture-style presentations and structured discussion. For those students who wish to use it, there will be a dedicated website with extra materials, including forums for discussing ideas and problems online.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All study materials will be provided by the tutor. Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.