OVERVIEW

The philosophy of language is the study of the constitutive properties of the meaning of linguistic expressions and communication. The course aims to introduce students to the classic topics of the philosophy of language.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introducing students to the problems of meaning and of linguistic understanding in the wake of the tradition of Frege, Russell and Wittgenstein. Showing links with linguistics, logic, IT, psychology and cognitive sciences. Enabling the studend to apply aspects of language philosophy to the analysis of daily speech and public discourse (newspapers, television, internet). Introducing students to the reading and discussing of classical texts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of the philosophy of language, the main theories of meaning and communication, as well as theories of linguistic usage. By the end of the course, they will be able to:

General Objectives:

• Illustrate and analyze the main philosophical and linguistic theories on meaning and communication;

• Develop a critical capacity towards the concepts underlying the philosophy of language, evaluating their coherence and applicability;

• Develop interactive skills based on collaboration, constructive communication, and dialogue;

• Gain autonomy in studying, critical analysis of primary literature, argumentative skills, and an aptitude for teamwork, coordination, and negotiation.

Specific Objectives:

• Define the notion of sign and communication, understanding the distinction between languages and language;

• Learn the basics of formal language in propositional logic and predicate logic;

• Distinguish between different types of arguments, understanding their structures and applications;

• Understand the main theories of reference for proper names;

• Illustrate the notion of meaning as truth conditions, as well as the basics of intensional and model-theoretic semantics;

• Define the notion of meaning as use, deepening the theory of speech acts;

• Learn the theory of implicatures and politeness theories, understanding how they influence verbal communication.

In this way, students will have acquired both theoretical and practical skills necessary for an in-depth analysis of language, its functions, and communicative dynamics.

PREREQUISITES

The course is introductory in nature and does not require any prior knowledge of philosophy, logic, or linguistics.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching will be delivered through face-to-face lectures by the instructor.

Students are required to register on Aulaweb, where useful course materials will be uploaded.

For students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (SLD):

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the university's website at the "Studenti" section of servizionline.unige.it. The documentation will be verified by the university’s Disability and SLD Inclusion Services (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

Subsequently, at least 10 days before the exam date, students must send an email to the instructor with whom they will take the exam, also including in cc the School's Reference Lecturer (elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it) for the inclusion of students with disabilities and SLD (referent email), as well as the mentioned Service. The email should specify:

• The course name

• The exam date

• The student's surname, first name, and student ID number

• The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures considered functional and requested

The referent will confirm to the instructor that the student is entitled to request exam accommodations and that such accommodations should be agreed upon with the instructor. The instructor will reply, indicating whether the requested accommodations can be applied.

Requests must be sent at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the instructor time to assess them. In particular, if the student intends to use conceptual maps for the exam (which must be much more concise than the ones used for studying), failure to meet the required deadlines will not allow time for possible adjustments.

For further information regarding the request for services and accommodations, please consult the document:
https://unige.it/sites/unige.it/files/2024-05/Linee%20guida%20per%20la%20richiesta%20di%20servizi%2C%20di%20strumenti%20compensativi%20e_o%20di%20misure%20dispensative%20e%20di%20ausili%20specifici%20Maggio%202024.pdf

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

GENERAL PART

During the lectures, the main arguments for and against contemporary philosophical and linguistic theories on verbal language will be analyzed, focusing on the relationship between language and representation, action, communication, and the mind.

SPECIAL TOPIC
The final part of the course will be dedicated to the issue of offensive and discriminatory language. Which expressions in language serve a denigrating function and why? What is an insult? How does the semantics of derogatory epithets work? What is meant by illocutionary potential? How can verbal language be a tool of oppression and discrimination?

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Foreign or non-native students are encouraged to contact the instructor to receive the required reading materials.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

27/09/2022

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students attending and non-attending classes 1) written exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Attending students: the written exam consists of 5 open questions. Each question focuses on one of the five different thematic blocks of the course. Each answer is assigned a maximum of 6 points. The evaluation of each answer takes into account different criteria: correctness of the answer, completeness, relevance and clarity of exposition.

The correct use of the relevant philosophical and scientific lexicon and the critical skills will be taken into consideration for the purpose of the evaluation.