This module aims to introduce a set of active debates in philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. It is not intended to provide an introduction to the full range of philosophical issues about mind and language; instead, we aim to discuss a few core contemporary issues in depth. However, the topics we will discuss provide good grounding for further study in other areas of philosophy of mind and philosophy of language.
The module is divided into two halves. The language half will introduce some basic theoretical tools in semantics, pragmatics, and speech-act theory, and will discuss how those tools have been applied to linguistic phenomena including insinuation and vagueness. The mind half will focus on issues raised in thinking about desire, including the nature of motivational and affective mental states, the explanatory character of ‘folk’ psychological attitude ascriptions, self-knowledge, ‘content’, intentionality, and the psychology of value.
The module is divided into two halves. The language half will introduce some basic theoretical tools in semantics, pragmatics, and speech-act theory, and will discuss how those tools have been applied to linguistic phenomena including insinuation and vagueness. The mind half will focus on issues raised in thinking about desire, including the nature of motivational and affective mental states, the explanatory character of ‘folk’ psychological attitude ascriptions, self-knowledge, ‘content’, intentionality, and the psychology of value.
Course Type: 2022-2023 Modules
Shared Course: No
Feeder Course: No