This course will be based around the key text by Ludwig Wittgenstein: the Tractatus and  Philosophical Investigations. We shall examine the important contributions made by Wittgenstein to the philosophy of language and the philosophy of mind. We will look at Wittgenstein's move away from his earlier (Tractarian) conception of language, towards a less essentialist conception; normativity and the rule-following considerations; the impossibility of private meaning; the relation between the 'inner' (eg sensations) and the 'outer' (eg behaviour); and Wittgenstein's 'therapeutic' conception of philosophy. We also attempt to place Wittgenstein in the context of 20th century philosophy.

In 2009 we will focus on the Tractatus and On Certainty.  Copies of these books will be available via short-term loan at Chifley, but students are advised to purchase Michael Morris's Guidebook to the Tractatus (Routledge, 2008).

The students will become familiar with the main ideas of Wittgenstein philosophy from the Tractatus to On Certainty.

Two 1,500 word essays.

Two courses in Philosophy or permission of Coordinator.

In 2009 we will focus on the Tractatus and On Certainty.  Copies of these books will be available via short-term loan at Chifley, but students are advised to purchase Michael Morris's Guidebook to the Tractatus (Routledge, 2008).

Draft chapters of my book will be available on WebCT. 

Wittgenstein, L, Philosophical Investigations, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1978