See module specification for other years:
2018-192019-20
Module summary
Some philosophers like to take a "language-first" approach to metaphysics; they think that the philosophy of language can shed new light on old metaphysical puzzles. Other philosophers think that this is a terrible mistake: metaphysics concerns the world itself, whereas the philosophy of language concerns only how we speak about the world. In this module, we will explore a number of issues at the intersection of metaphysics and the philosophy of language. Our aim will be to decide for ourselves whether metaphysics should be approached language-first.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching cycle
A
Autumn Term 2020-21
Module aims
To consider some key issues in Theoretical Philosophy, especially issues in Metaphysics, the Philosophy of Language, and Philosophical Logic.
To encourage students to engage philosophically with the issues and offer their own critical reflections
To enhance philosophical skills of argument and debate through seminar discussion and written work
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will have had the opportunity:
To discuss philosophically and critically topics in Theoretical Philosophy
To pursue these topics through a study of seminal discussions by major philosophers from the early modern period to the present day.
To improve philosophical skills of argument and debate through seminar discussion and written work
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
100
Module feedback
Written feedback will be received 4 weeks after the submission for summative work and within 2 weeks for formative work.
Indicative reading
Preliminary Reading:
Tim Crane (1995), The Mechanical Theory of Mind
Kim Sterelny (1990), The Representational Theory of Mind
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses
The 2020/21 academic year will start in September. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.
Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.