The Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein

Subject 161-214 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: *
Prerequisites: At least one single-semester first-year philosophy subject or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: *
Recommended Background Knowledge: *
Non Allowed Subjects: *
Core Participation Requirements: *

Coordinator

To be advised
Subject Overview:

This subject engages students with the major themes in the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein, the Austrian philosopher whose ideas on language, thought, and reality powerfully influenced the shape of 20th century philosophy. It introduces students to Wittgenstein's main themes, and to critical issues which they raise. Specifically, the course concentrates on the views developed in Wittgenstein's mature work, the Philosophical Investigations, against the background of an introduction to his earlier views as expounded in his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Students should develop an understanding of Wittgenstein's key themes and the issues they raise, an appreciation of their importance to philosophical inquiry, and the ability to proceed to further work on these topics.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.Philosophical Investigations (Ludwig Wittgenstein), (any edition)
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • acquire the skill to assess arguments in the more lateral way characteristic of Wittgenstein's approach;

  • acquire the ability to read complex theoretical texts from a critical perspective;

  • develop skills pertinent to assessing divergent readings of such texts.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophyand Social Theory)

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