Wittgenstein

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• defend your views with cogent arguments, taking into account possible criticisms.
• present and debate ideas in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way.
• to interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• work effectively to deadlines.
• extract key information from difficult texts.
• take notes effectively from talks and written materials.
• undertake, with appropriate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the main themes of Wittgenstein’s writings in his key writings and the issues he addresses.
• the development of Wittgenstein’s philosophy and the relationship of the issues he discusses to other areas of philosophy.

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

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

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

M McGinn (1997). Routledge Guidebook to Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations. London: Routledge.

L Wittgenstein (1969). The Blue and Brown Books. Oxford: Blackwell.

L Wittgentein (2009). Philosophical Investigations. Oxford: Blackwell.

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.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External