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

Instructor: Simon Varey. This course meets MWF 11:15 a.m. – 12:05 p.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: What is the relationship between meaning and truth? 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?

This is an introductory course and does not assume any background in philosophy, linguistics or cognitive science.