Philosophy of Language and Mind

Subject PHIL40007 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 ( 1x 2 hour seminar per week)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Subject Overview:

This subject examines contemporary developments in philosophy of mind and language in the analytic tradition. Topics addressed may include: (1) mental representation, (2) the nature of linguistic communication, (3) sense vs. reference, (4) the nature of consciousness, (5) self-knowledge of one's own mental states. On completion of the subject, the student should have a good understanding of central issues in the philosophy of mind and language and be able to critically assess current research.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will develop

  • a thorough understanding of an important contemporary debate in the philosophy of mind and language.
  • an appreciation of the implications of these issues for other areas of philosophy, such as metaphysics or epistemology.
  • the ability to critically assess current research in this area.
Assessment: A 5000-word essay 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop at the commencement of semester.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will develop

  • critical skills: analysing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
  • problem solving skills: developing hypotheses which can meet complex constraints.
  • writing skills: expressing abstract ideas clearly and persuasively.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy

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