Introductory description

PH244 - Words and Things

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Preliminary syllabus: 1. Introductory reflections on the relationships between language, thought, and things. 2. Frege’s distinction between sense and reference. 3. Russell’s theory of descriptions. 4. The description theory of names. 5. The causal picture of reference. 6. Demonstrative reference. If time allows: 7. Empty singular terms. 8. Quine’s indeterminacy of reference.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Students should be able to understand and evaluate key theoretical approaches to reference in contemporary philosophy of thought and language.
• Students should be able to articulate complex arguments and ideas, and critically engage with them.
• Students should have the ability to analyse, evaluate, critique and apply complex information gathered from reading, reflection, reasoning or communication.

Indicative reading list

Samples of core texts:
Frege, Gottlob. ‘On Sense and Reference’.
Russell, Bertrand. ‘On Denoting’.
Kripke, Saul. Naming and Necessity (Wiley-Blackwell, 1981).
Evans, Gareth. ‘The Causal Theory of Names’.

Samples of recommended secondary texts:
Miller, A. Philosophy of Language (Routledge, 3rd edition, 2018).
Lycan, William. The philosophy of language (Routledge, 2nd edition, 2008).
Luntley, Michael. Contemporary philosophy of thought: truth, world, content. (Blackwell, 1999).
Hornsby, J. and Longworth, G. (eds.) Reading philosophy of language: selected texts with interactive commentary (Blackwell, 2006).
Hale, B. & Wright, C. (eds.) A Companion to the Philosophy of Language (Blackwell, 1997).
Neale, S. Descriptions (MIT Press, 1990).
Soames, S. Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century, Vols I and II. (Princeton University Press, 2003)

Subject specific skills

At the end of the module students should have knowledge and understanding of philosophical ideas that figure in the background to contemporary work in a range of areas (including philosophy of mind, epistemology and metaphysics).
The module should contribute to the development of students' ability (i) engage critically with philosophical arguments and views; (ii) to understand complex philosophical texts, identifying the key claims and arguments; (iii) to articulate philosophical ideas and arguments, and to communicate them (both orally and in writing).

Transferable skills

The module should contribute to the development of students' ability (i) to think clearly and critically; (ii) to communicate complex ideas and arguments effectively, both orally and in writing; (iii) to read demanding texts effectively and critically.