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 will also look at issues raised in Wittgenstein’s last book – On Certainty.  Finally we attempt to place Wittgenstein in the context of 20th century philosophy.

In 2013 we will work through W Child’s new book on Wittgenstein (Wittgenstein (Routledge) 2011).

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the key notions underlying Wittgenstein’s early Logic Atomism.
2. Give examples of the problems which led Wittgenstein to abandon his early philosophy.
3. Evaluate the key ideas in Wittgenstein’s later philosophy.
4. Think about what you have learnt as it relates to the themes of the course.

Two x 2000 word essays (45% each, 90% total) [Assesses LO' 1 - 3]

Tutorial participation (10%) [Assesses LO's 1 - 4]

1.5 hours per week lecture.

1 hour per week tutorial.

7.5 hours per week private study.

1st year Philosophy

12 units of Philosophy (PHIL) courses or with the permission of the Convenor (permission number).

P.M.S Hacker, Insight and Illusion  (OUP 1972)

R, Fogelin, Wittgenstein (Routledge)