FIL2403 ¨C Philosophy of Language

Course content

The course may be given in several variants, based on one or more of the following core areas in philosophy of language:

(1) Truth. What is truth? Is truth a genuine property that some sentences or utterances possess? If so, what type of property is it? Various theories of truth.

(2) Meaning. What is linguistic meaning? What is the relationship between truth and meaning?

(3) Thought, utterances and context. Speech act theory. Grice`s theory of implications.How does extralinguistic context affect our understanding and interpretation of utterances?

(4) Reference. How does language connect with reality? How should we understand the semantic relationship between singular terms and things? How are proper names, definite descriptions and indexicals related to objects in the world?

(5) Propositional attitudes and interpretation. How should we understand expressions for belief and other attitudes to propositional contents? How do we express our own, and how do we report others¡¯ propositional attitudes?

Learning outcome

After having completed the course you are expected to:

• be able to demonstrate a thorough insight in problems of philosophy of language, and also be able to discuss different views critically in writing
• be able to give a precise and argumentative oral presentation of a central problem in philosophy of language
• be able to demonstrate an overview of differences, similarities and connections between different views within philosophy of language, and also be able to give critical assessments of the different views

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

FIL1006 - Introduction to logic

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with FIL2401.
• 5 credits overlap with FIL2402.

Teaching

12 double sessions with combined seminars and lectures. All students are expected to participate in an active manner.

Examination

The exam consists of 2 parts; a term paper of 5-6 pages (one page shlould contain around 2300 characters), excl references, and a final 2- hours school exam. The essay is weighted 40%, the school exam 60%.

The term paper is to be submitted in Inspera?as is the school exam.

Evaluation criteria fall 2018.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed for the school exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.