Philosophy of Language and Mind

This subject is not offered in 2014.

An average of 10 hours each week.

Admission to fourth year Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in the discipline of Philosophy

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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/

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.

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.

A 5000-word research essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.