Philosophy of Language

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course focuses on the theory of signs, symbols, and meaning in language. Does meaning lie in a relation between language sign and an object in the world, in a internal state of consciousness, or in the pragmatic context of language use? Attention is given to various kinds and functions of language: descriptive and evaluative discourse, the language of logic and mathematics; and argumentation and reasoning in natural language. Through a study of natural language and computer languages the course asks what, if anything, is distinctively human in our language and other symbol systems. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and PHIL-2372. Requisite Courses: A minimum of 12 credit hours in Philosophy [prerequisite(s)].