LANGUAGE AND KNOWLEDGE - (MO-RE)
Learning outcomes of the course unit
1. The course introduces the main themes of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s later philosophy of language. In this way, students are initiated into the understanding of key notions and the most widely debated issues in the discipline on the theme of the theory of meaning, of the language-mind-world relationship, and of knowledge.
2. Through the analysis of a key text of the Wittgensteinian production, at the end of the course students will have acquired the ability to understand crucial themes of the theory of meaning, in its complex nuances and relationships with the philosophy of mind and knowledge. Students will be able to apply the knowledge learned to the analysis of the texts examined during the course.
3-4. The course aims to promote an active participation of the students in the exposition and discussion of the fundamental issues addressed, promoting a reworking of theories, concepts and arguments useful for understanding them by fostering the ability to present their point of view in a reasoned way.
5.At the end of the course students will be able to orient themselves in the central themes of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophy and, consequently, of contemporary philosophy of language and epistemology, and to deepen their understanding of some of the specific themes analyzed during the course.
Prerequisites
None.
Course contents summary
The course will focus on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s On Certainty. Topics will include the analysis of knowledge, of doubts and skepticism, and the notion of “hinge propositions”.
Course contents
Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the main themes of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s later philosophy and, consequently, of themes in contemporary epistemology and philosophy of language.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to read Wittgenstein’s work, to place it in its historical context, to relate and compare it with the work of other philosophers (such as G. E. Moore).
Autonomy of judgement: ability to be critical of the contents of the examined bibliography.
Communicative skills: knowledge and use of the specific language of philosophy, in particular the philosophy of language.
Learning skills: ability to develop the knowledge acquired in the analysis of texts and materials dealt with in class.
Recommended readings
Wittgenstein, L. 1969 On Certainty, Oxford, Blackwell.
Coliva, A. 2010 Moore and Wittgenstein. Scepticism, Certainty and Common Sense, London, Palgrave.
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
For students who have attended at least 75% of classes, the evaluation will be done through a written examination, consisting in a 3,000-word essay on a course topic of student’s choice, previously agreed with the instructor. The information regarding how to write the essay will be provided in class. The student must submit the essay to the instructor at least one week before the exam. For students who have not attended at least 75% of classes, besides the final essay, there will be a written test with six open questions.
Evaluation criteria:
30 cum laude: excellent, solid knowledge, excellent expressive skills, complete understanding of concepts and topics.
30: very good, complete and adequate knowledge, correct and well articulated expression skills
27-29: good, satisfactory knowledge, essentially correct expression of speech
24-26: fairly good knowledge, but not complete and not always correct
21-23: acceptable but superficial knowledge. Often inappropriate expression
18-21: sufficient The preparation has gaps in content, lack of clarity in the presentation, inability to understand concepts and arguments.
