Critical Social Inquiry 0120 - Ethics and Language: 20th Century French Philosophy

In this noisy world with its surplus of words, does it matter what one says? This course introduces students to the linguistic turn in 20th Century French philosophy, with particular attention to the role of language in what it means to be a person among others. We will read primary texts by Emmanuel Levinas, Jacques Lacan, Maurice Blanchot, Jean Baudrillard, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Luce Irigaray, and Jacques Derrida. Among the first to explore the ethical impact of language, these works provide tools for thinking about today's most pressing questions. How is it that words can harm, and what is the nature of this harm? Is there a human right to speak? Can animals speak? Why write? Should we give voice to traumas? Is there really a right to remain silent, and if so, what does this right tell us about the kinds of creatures we are?

Time and Narrative Students are expected to spend a minimum of 6-8 hours of work outside of class time per week BOOKS: Title:Totality and Infinity Author:Emmanuel Levinas ISBN: Cost: Title:The Writing of the Disaster Author:Maurice Blanchot ISBN: Cost: