Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2018: Philosophy of Language

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module seeks to familiarise you with the central place that philosophy of language occupies in contemporary analytic philosophy, with the influential positions that have been adopted by major figures in the field, and with the key points of the debates between them. You will gain a thorough overview of the philosophy of language, and the grounding necessary for more advanced study in analytic philosophy.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Develop an understanding of the subject matter, concerns, and methodology of philosophy of language.
2. Critically analyse the notions of meaning and reference.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Understand the central position of philosophy of language in contemporary analytic philosophy.
4. Apply the tools of conceptual and linguistic analysis in all areas of philosophy.
5. Evaluate the claims made by other philosophical disciplines and traditions which hinge on theories of meaning or language.
Personal and Key Skills6. Communicate complex ideas in clear and precise written and verbal form.
7. Construct, evaluate, and criticise arguments.