Entry requirements

22,5 credits in Theoretical Philosophy A

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students are expected to have acquired a good understanding of questions and issues in philosophy of language, and be able to:

• use the concepts and distinctions that are necessary in order to critically discuss and evaluate theories and arguments in philosophy of language
• demonstrate an overall understanding of philosophy of language and its main fields
• give a systematic treatment of central contemporary questions within philosophy of language
• analyse strengths and weaknesses in the theories studied
• use theoretical tools and resources to argue for and against the theories studied.

Content

The course covers central topics and questions about language and its functions, for instance those pertaining to the meaning and reference of words and sentences. We look at central concepts in the philosophy of language and use them in the analysis of core theories about language and its functions. We further develop arguments for and against these theories and use them in the investigation of the theories' strengths and weaknesses.

Instruction

The instruction consists of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

The examination consists of oral presentations, written home assignments, and a written take-home exam.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions to the specified examination method and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can be. e.g. special educational support from the university's coordinator for students with disabilities.