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PHIL 158 / Spring 2005 PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE
Syllabus
Instructor:
Dr. Bo Mou Time:
Monday & Wednesday: 15:00 �
16:15 Place:
BBC 120 Office
Hours: (1) Regular Office Hours: Wednesday
16:30 � 17:30; (2) If you are unable to make these times, we can schedule a
time that is convenient for you; (3) Extra office hours will be arranged before
midterm and final exams. Office:
FO 225 Phone:
(408) 924-4513 E-mail:bmou@email.sjsu.edu Website:
http://cfds.sjsu.edu/professors/bo_mou/ Required
Textbooks
The Course Reader [ CR ].
William Lycan: Philosophy of
Language: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge, 1999) [ PL ]. Course
Description The philosophy of language,
roughly speaking, is theoretical investigation into language in view of its
relation to reality, thought and logic. It has been considered by many as one of
the core areas of contemporary philosophy for several reasons: (1) It has its
intrinsic value for philosophical, or even other intellectual, inquiries because
it provides rich conceptual and explanatory resources that are needed for
in-depth reflective studies; (2) It investigates a series of topics that have
extensive significance, such as: What
is meaning? What is the relation between language and thought? How is linguistic
communication is possible? What is the relationship between language and the
world? (3) It is closely related with other important subjects of philosophy
(e.g. metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and epistemology) and some other
disciplines (e.g. linguistics, psychology, and cognitive science). This course provides an introduction to some central
topics of the philosophy of language. It will examine some important ideas and
approaches as suggested by those figures like Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein,
Quine, Davidson, Searle and Kripke. The class as given this time also discuss
some issues concerning the relation between language, thought and reality
through a comparative approach that involves valuable ideas and resources in
both Western and Chinese philosophical traditions. The
objectives of this course are these: (1) to introduce the student to some
central topics and theories in 20th century Anglo-American
philosophical studies of language, which constitute parts of the main content of
contemporary analytic philosophy; (2) to introduce the student to some important
conceptual and explanatory resources and techniques of philosophical analysis
provided by contemporary philosophy of language so as to effectively and
strictly conduct philosophical and other intellectual investigations; (3) to
help the student look at some of the issues under discussion from a broad and
dynamic point of view through comparative approach in view of valuable ideas and
resources in another major philosophical tradition; (4) to improve the
student�s ability to read and think critically, creatively and precisely and
to write clearly and strictly. Prerequisite 6
units of philosophy or instructor consent. Instruction Format Lecture and class discussion. Course Requirements Regular attendance, timely and careful completion of
reading-assignments, earnest and reflective fulfillment of written assignments,
and active participation in discussion are expected for the successful learning
process.
1. Writing Assignments (1)
Three
critical analysis reports: 15% (2)
One
master-presentation writing handout: 5%
(5/11) (3)
Term
Paper: 25% (due 5/16) 2.
In-Class Examinations (1)
Midterm
Exam: 20% (3/23) (2)
Final
Exam: 25% (5/24) 3.
Class participation: 10% Each
of these gives your critical analysis of an assigned question. The
critical-analysis report goes with 1-2 typewritten double-spaced pages with 1
inch margin and font size 10 or 12. The critical-analysis writings are due by
noon (12:00) of Friday immediately after Wednesday on which the question is
assigned; they are expected to submit via email attachment (MS Word file) by the
above due time. You are to present the major points of your critical analysis
report in the coming Monday class. Term Paper You
are free to choose your paper topics as long as they are related to the reading
materials. I will also suggest some topics as the semester proceeds. You need to
hand in a one-page description of your paper topic on April 27. The term
paper goes with 6-7 (for undergraduates) / 9-10 (for graduate students)
typewritten double-spaced pages with 1 inch magin and font size 12 (about 250
words each page). The submitted paper is due in hard copy in class-meeting time;
the electronic version is not accepted. Exams Both
midterm and final exams will combine multiple choice, short answer questions and
essay questions. The instructor will supply a study guide a week before each of
the exams. Late Assignments Assignments
that are one class session late will be demoted 5%; assignments that are later
will receive a 10% cut. Exceptions are made if you have a doctor�s note or if
you have been given a prior extension. Students who miss a mid-term will need a
serious excuse (e.g., a doctor�s note) and to schedule a make-up exam. Class Participation The
student�s active class participation consists of the following: (i) Attending
scheduled classes regularly (two bonus points will be given for perfect
attendance; one bonus point will be given for only-one-class-missing
attendance); (ii) Asking questions in class or volunteering answers to
philosophical questions raised by classmates or instructors; (iii) Earnestly
completing in-class oral presentation of your critical analysis reports and a
master in-class presentation at �Discussion Forum� on May 11. |