Module overview
Wittgenstein is the most important philosopher of the twentieth century. He offers a sustained critique of many of the most common assumptions underlying much contemporary philosophy of mind and language. He explores, among other things, the questions of how meaning and rule-following are possible, whether I can know even those things that are normally taken for granted – such as that I have hands – and whether there can be such a thing as a 'private language'. This module aims to introduce you to some of the central ideas in Wittgenstein's philosophical writings.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- undertake, with appropriate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- take notes effectively from talks and written materials.
- work effectively to deadlines.
- extract key information from difficult texts.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- to interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
- present and debate ideas in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way.
- defend your views with cogent arguments, taking into account possible criticisms.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the development of Wittgenstein’s philosophy and the relationship of the issues he discusses to other areas of philosophy.
- the main themes of Wittgenstein’s writings in his key writings and the issues he addresses.
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics typically include:
- The nature of philosophical inquiry
- The limitations of philosophical and logical analysis
- The method of language-games
- The attack on `the Augustinian picture of language’
- Rule-following
- Private languages
- Intentionality
- Seeing aspects
- Scepticism
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- In class discussion
- One to one consultation with the module coordinator
Learning activities include:
- Attending lectures
- Participating in class discussion
- Doing research for and completing assessment tasks
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 2 |
Wider reading or practice | 25 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 30 |
Follow-up work | 20 |
Lecture | 33 |
Completion of assessment task | 40 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
L Wittgenstein (1969). The Blue and Brown Books. Oxford: Blackwell.
M McGinn (1997). Routledge Guidebook to Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations. London: Routledge.
L Wittgentein (2009). Philosophical Investigations. Oxford: Blackwell.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
For MA students taking this module, expectations will be significantly higher than those for year 3 undergraduate students attending the same lectures, and the assessment criteria will accordingly by stricter. In particular students will be required to demonstrate extremely high levels of detailed and accurate exposition, critical engagement, organisation and presentation, with scholarship that draws on appropriate primary literature.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Essay proposalSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External