Philosophy of Language and Mind

Subject 161-436 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture/seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in philosophy.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Laura Schroeter

Contact

Dr Laura Schroeter

laura.schroeter@unimelb.edu.au

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.
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.
Notes: Previously available as 161-436 Issues in Analytical Metaphysics. Students who have completed 161-436 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History and Philosophy of Science
History && Philosophy of Science
History and Philosophy of Science
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy

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