Module Outline (updated 08.05.18)
NB.: Please note that this module will require a high level of commitment from the students enrolled. This will include keeping up with the pace of weekly readings, as assessed by an in-class test.
"Analytic Philosophy" is a (sometimes controversial) term that is commonly used to describe the dominant philosophical tradition in the English-speaking world for much of the 20th century. This module shall introduce students to some of the classic texts from this tradition and explore the philosophical techniques, arguments, and positions that were developed within it.
The specific focus of the module will vary year-on-year; examples include topics from analytic philosophy of mind and metaphysics (the mind-body problem; personal identity; consciousness and “qualia”…), and topics from analytic philosophy of language (what is meaning? How do names and descriptions refer to objects? Does context make a difference to the meaning of what we say, and does what we say shape the context in return?...
Format and coursework:
Lectures:
The two-hour weekly lectures will typically be interactive: you are expected to have read the key text(s) for each week in advance, and to be active during class.
Seminars:
In addition, you will be expected to prepare for an extended class discussion of the week’s topic and readings during a one-hour seminar session each week.
- Module Supervisor: Daniel Watts