Philosophy of Language
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| Philosophy of Language
Fall 2016. EC 300. TF 1:30 – 2:45 Instructor: Chauncey Maher | maherc@dickinson.edu | East College 202 Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:30, or by appointment Course Description Here are some questions about language that have absorbed Anglophone philosophers of the past 125 years:
Pursuing these questions, this seminar aims to introduce you to the philosophy of language. Your ultimate goal is to write an essay in which you take a reasoned stance on an unresolved issue related to one of these questions. In the first twelve weeks of the course, your goal is to master the basics of these topics so that you can wisely identify a topic that interests you. Along the way you should explore further scholarship on issues that interest you. In the final three weeks, in several stages, you will prepare your essay. Goals -understand important topics in the philosophy of language -refine skills of reasoned interpretation and argument -hone ability to write in a multi-stage process (pre-writing, proposing, drafting, revising) -learn to incorporate research into essays
William Lycan, Philosophy of Language (2nd Edition) Alexander Miller, Philosophy of Language (2nd Edition) Evaluation Participation 25% of Final Grade Your participation is essential to the success of this seminar. You should make regular, substantive, and clear contributions to our discussions. Your participation is worth 25% of your final grade. Each time you properly participate, you earn 1 point. You need 15 points to receive an ‘A’ for participation. I will track this on Moodle each week. You are responsible for checking regularly to be sure that this record is accurate. Please email me immediately if you notice a discrepancy. Weekly Writing 35% of Final Grade Each week you will write a short response—no more than 1 page (350 words)— to the reading for that week. You will do this for several reasons. First, it will help you master the basics of the topics. Second, it will provide thoughts for discussion in our meetings. Third, it will help you develop ideas for your final essays. Fourth, it will habituate you to writing philosophically. Each piece of writing must take one of the following forms. Over the entire semester, you must attempt all five forms.
Present an appropriately detailed example of a phenomenon that philosophers consider worthy of scrutiny, saying why that phenomenon deserves scrutiny. Explanation of a theory or account Explain how a specific theory or account aims to deal with an important phenomenon, or answers an important question. Highlight precisely why it appears to deal well with the example or question. Argument clarification Clarify an important argument. Number the premises and conclusion. Make it appear valid. Do your best also to make it appear sound—that is, with true or plausible premises. Counter-example to a claim, theory, or account Explain a theory. Give an appropriately detailed example that conflicts with the theory, explaining exactly where the conflict is. Objection to an argument Object to an important argument. Number the premises and conclusion of an important argument. Make it appear valid. Explain why it is nevertheless problematic, focusing on one specific aspect of it. Class will be divided into two groups, A and B. Each student in A will submit a response on Friday; each student in B will submit one on Tuesday. They are due by 1pm before we meet on Friday for group A and Tuesday for group B. Approximately, over the semester, you will write 12 responses. Grading Scale: 2 = adequate, 1 = inadequate, 0 = not submitted Research Essays (40%) Your main goal in your final essay is to articulate a well-reasoned stance on one unresolved issue in philosophy of language, engaging contemporary scholarship. You must develop your essay in stages: a proposal, a draft, a workshop, a polished revision. In a separate document, I provide further details. Schedule of Readings (tentative)
Academic Honesty Any case of suspected academic dishonesty must be reported. Note: “To plagiarize is to use without proper citation or acknowledgment the words, ideas, or work of another. Plagiarism is a form of cheating that refers to several types of unacknowledged borrowing.” When in doubt, cite it. For more information, please see the handbook on Community Standards here: http://www.dickinson.edu/student/files/commstand0809.pdf
Dickinson College makes reasonable academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please make your request and provide appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Dana Hall, Suite 106. Every semester, eligible students must obtain a new accommodation letter from Director Marni Jones and review this letter with their professors so the accommodations can be implemented. The Director of ODS is available by appointment to answer questions and discuss any implementation issues you may have. ODS proctoring is managed by Susan Frommer (717-254-8107 or proctoring@dickinson.edu). For general inquiries: 717-245-1734, or disabilityservices@dickinson.edu. For more information, go to www.dickinson.edu/ODS. Download 54.96 Kb. Share with your friends:
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