PHIL/LING 145.001 – Language, Communication, and Human and Animal Minds

Instructor: DeeAnn Spicer. This course meets MWF 10:40 – 11:30 a.m. via remote synchronous (RS) instruction.

This class is an introduction to the philosophy of language and some of its major issues. We will begin by studying some basic notions essential to the philosophical study of meaning and communication. We will then examine questions such as: Is language unique to human beings or can other animals use language? What is the relationship between language and thought? What effects can language have on society? Can we perform actions with our words? And, what are some political uses of language? This is an introductory course and does not assume any background in philosophy or linguistics.