PHIL-3020 Philosophy of Language
(TEXTS & CONTEXTS, ENGAGING DIFFERENCE) This is a survey course on the philosophy of language. Topics may include: How do words refer to things? Does the community determine the meaning of a word, or a speaker and her intentions? How can we talk about things that don't exist? Is meaning "all in the head"? How do power relations and pragmatics affect meaning and truth? What kinds of actions can be performed with words besides statements, commands, and questions? The course may apply answers to these questions to debates in other areas, such as the nature of consciousness, social and scientific kinds, and metaethics. Formerly PHI-320.