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
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.
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.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- present and debate ideas, both orally and in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way.
- defend your views with cogent arguments, taking into account possible criticisms.
- to interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics might 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 |
---|---|
Independent Study | 117 |
Teaching | 33 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
L Wittgenstein (2009). Philosophical Investigations. Oxford: Blackwell.
M. McGinn (1997). Routledge Guidebook to Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations. London: Routledge.
L Wittgenstein (1969). The Blue and Brown Books. Oxford: Blackwell.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Essay proposal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students will receive written feedback on the essay draft. Students have the opportunity to receive further verbal feedback by consultation with the module coordinator.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 100%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 60% |
Exam | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Timed Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 40% |
Essay | 60% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External