Cognitive Science 0140 - Philosophy of Language

The goal of this new course is two-fold: (a) considering competing theories of what names ("Venus") and definite descriptions ("the morning star") mean (looking at classic work by Frege, Russell, Donnellan and Kripke); (b) considering the way that truth and context relate to performativity (Austin), convention (Strawson, Lewis), and indexicality (Kaplan). No prior courses in philosophy required. Taking this course will enable the student to learn philosophical methodology, philosophical writing and reading, and prepare one to take further courses in philosophy, logic, linguistic semantics and other courses related to language in the cognitive sciences and across the humanities.

Mind, Brain, and Information Quantitative Skills Writing and Research Students are expected to spend approximately 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.