FIL4471 – reference, Context and Speech acts with short essay
Course description
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 and translation. What is linguistic meaning? What is the relationship between truth and meaning? Can a theory of truth serve as a theory of meaning? To what extent is translation possible? Does translation preserve meaning?
(3) 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?
(4) 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?
(5) Thought, utterances and context. How does extralinguistic context affect our understanding and interpretation of utterances? Does context play different roles in semantic and pragmatic analyses of our use of natural language?
Learning outcome
To complete the course the student is expected to:
- have good knowledge of the core texts for the course
- be able to apply knowledge of the course area in order to critically evaluate new research contributions in the literature.
- be able to discuss the philosophical issues covered in the course in a critical and professional manner, both orally and in writing.
- write an essay between 10 and 15 A4 pages long, answering a precise question, with a clear, self-developed argumentative structure, demonstrating the student's progress in understanding the course area.
Admission
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.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with FIL2403 – Philosophy of Language
- 10 credits overlap with FIL4461 – Reference, Context and Speech acts (discontinued)
- 10 credits overlap with FIL4481 – Reference, Context and Speech acts with long essay (discontinued)
Teaching
Teaching takes place throughout the semester with two hours per week. Active participation from the students in form of oral or written presentations throughout the seminar is expected.
Examination
A 4 hours school exam and an essay of 10-15 pages
Language of examination
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.
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.