Phil 387: Philosophy of Language
Fall 2016
Professor Matthew Davidson
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Office Hours: TuTh 2-4 and by appt. UH 201.46
Phone: (909) 537-7727
Course Description.
In this class we will discuss our ability to refer to objects in the world by using language. We will examine the nature of the logical form of definite descriptions, the referential status of names, the connection between meaning and truth conditions, and the distinction between semantics and pragmatics.
The required text for the class are: Philosophy of Language, (6th ed.) ed. Martinich and Sosa. Recommended is Colin McGinn: Philosophy of Language: The Classics Explained. It may be of help to you on many of the sections of the course. (Just make sure you cite it if you use material from it.)
About the Class
A Phil 19x class at CSUSB (introduction to philosophy) is a prerequisite for this class.
I expect you to come to class each day having done the assigned reading and with questions to ask. It will not be possible for you to read the material assigned for the course without having questions. You need to take notes on what you are reading, and you need to write down your questions and bring them to class. The material will be hard. This class will focus on critically evaluating ideas through class discussion and reflection both inside and outside class. I will not feed you information which I expect you to memorize, write down for a test, and forget. The goal of this class is to assist you in thinking. This often has little to do with memorizing facts. Also, just because you're not being fed a spate of information you shouldn't think you shouldn't be taking notes. You should be thinking hard about what is being discussed in class, and you should be taking notes as you think through problems and listen to what your classmates or I have to say.
Assignment of Grades
The grade will consist of two longer (4-5 pages) papers, and a number of short (1/2-2 page) writing assignments that will be given throughout the quarter. The first paper is worth 25% of your grade. An optional rewrite of that first paper is worth 25%. (If you don't do the rewrite, I will double your score from the first paper.) The second paper is worth 30% of the grade and is due during the final exam period. Each of the graded shorter papers is worth 20/n% each, where 'n' is the total number of short assignments graded. The papers should be typed, and double-spaced in 12-point Arial or Helvetica font. If you do not receive credit for one of the short assignments, you may take it to the Writing Center (details on the website), work on it with the people there, and turn it back in to be re-graded. No papers will be accepted late without a very good reason. You should e-mail me to find out what you missed in class if you miss class; not knowing about the assignment isn't sufficient grounds for an extension on it. Always keep extra copies of your papers. All students should be familiar with the University regulations on plagiarism, as stated in the Bulletin. You may find a link to the Bulletin and information on plagiarism on the website.
There is opportunity for extra credit. You can earn the equivalent of one short assignment if you bring an item (more than one is great, but only one is required) of food to The Den (the food pantry at CSUSB). (Ask them for a note to give to me.) If you can't or for some reason don't want to donate an item, come talk to me and I'll give you an extra writing assignment.
Final grades will be assigned as follows: n0% will suffice for a grade G-. n3% will suffice for a grade of G. n8% will suffice for a grade of G+. (So, 80% is a B-, 83% is a B, and 88% is a B+)
If you are in need of an accommodation for a disability in order to participate in class, please let me know ASAP and also contact Services to Students with Disabilities at UH-183, (909) 537-5238.
Classroom Conduct
Please turn off cell phones during class. Please do not text message during class. Please don't walk in and out of class. Be respectful of the class. Be excellent to each other.
No laptops. If you want to use an iPad or Kindle or other e-reader, please lay it flat on the desk.
No knives (other than penknives), guns, or other weapons (throwing stars, nunchakus, garrottes, galleys, halberds, catapults, etc.) are allowed in class. If you have any of these in class, you forfeit your right to continue in the course, and may be ejected from the class and/or referred to the University for further disciplinary action.
Schedule
The following is a rough schedule of readings and assignments. We may deviate temporally from the schedule as our interests dictate, and we may examine additional materials to aid in your understanding of the texts. Page numbers are from sections in The Philosophy of Language.
Keep in mind that the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy will be of much help to you:
On Language
Week 1: Locke "Of Words" (pp. 656-661). Wittgenstein (on private language) (pp. 661-668).
On Names
Week 2: Mill "Of Names" (pp. 29-35). Frege "On Sense and Reference" (pp. 35-48).
Week 3: Kripke (selection) "Naming and Necessity" (pp. 53-66).
Week 4: Continue Kripke. Salmon (selection) Frege'sPuzzle (pp. 86-102).
Definite Descriptions
Week 5: Finish Salmon. Russell, "On Denoting" (pp. 105-114) and "Descriptions" (pp. 114-121).
Week 6: Strawson, "On Referring." Donnellan, "Reference and Definite Descriptions" (pp. 140-153). Paper 1 Due.
Week 7: Kripke, "Speaker's Reference and Semantic Reference" (pp. 153-171).
Belief Ascription
Week 8: Quine, "Quantifiers and Propositional Attitudes" (pp. 176-183). Perry, "The Problem of the Essential Indexical" (pp. 535-546).
Week 9: Continue Perry. Schiffer, "Belief Ascription" (pp. 262-275).
Week 10: Catch up.
The final paper is due the day of the scheduled final exam period.
Additional course materials may be available on the website.