B9011 - Philosophy of Language (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the main authors, works, and problems of contemporary philosophy of language. Upon completion of the course students know how to analyze and discuss critically some fundamental questions relating to natural language, syntax, meaning, reference, truth, propositions, proper names, intentions, speech acts, enunciation, communication, theory of mind, etc.

Course contents

Speech act theory from Frege to Habermas

This year's course is devoted to the emergence and development of the conception of language as action in twentieth-century philosophy and linguistic theory. Beginning with the pioneering work of G. Frege and C.S. Peirce in the philosophy of language, it examines the gradual shift from viewing language primarily as a medium of representation to viewing it as a form of social action and interaction. Particular attention will be devoted to the work of J. L. Austin, whose theory of performative utterances and speech acts profoundly reshaped the philosophy of language. The course will then explore É. Benveniste's linguistic reflections on enunciation and subjectivity, highlighting the convergences and divergences between philosophical and linguistic approaches to speech acts. The systematic reformulation of speech-act theory by John Searle will be examined in relation to questions of intentionality, convention, and meaning. The final part of the course will focus on J. Habermas's appropriation and transformation of speech-act theory within the framework of universal pragmatics and the theory of communicative action

Readings/Bibliography

C.S. Peirce, "Logic Notebook" (1904–1906), in Selected Writings on Semiotics. Edited by F. Bellucci. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2020, pp. 152–183

G. Frege, “Thought” (1918). Transl. in M. Beaney, ed., The Frege Reader. Oxford: Blackwell, pp. 325–345.

J.L. Austin, How to Do Things with Words. 2nd ed. by J. O. Urmson and M. Sbisà. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975. (1st ed. by J. O. Urmson, 1962)

É. Benveniste, "Analytical Philosophy and Language" (1962). Transl. in Problems in General Linguistics. Miami: University of Miami Press, 1971, pp. 231–239.

J. Searle, Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1969.

J. Habermas, The Theory of Communicative Action. Vol. 1. Reason and the Rationalization of Society. Cambridge: Polity Press, 1984 (Germ. ed. 1981), ch. 3

Teaching methods

Class lectures with reading and critical discussion. Active participation is strongly encouraged.

Assessment methods

Examination is oral. The aim of the exam is to ascertain knowledge of the authors and concepts examined in the course and the ability to discuss them critically.

Vote is assigned according to the following evaluation levels:

30 cum laude: excellent performance showing soundness of knowledge, rich discursive articulation, appropriate expression, interest of critical contribution;

30: Excellent performance, complete, and appropriate knowledge, well-articulated and appropriately expressed, with interesting critical contributions;

29-27: Good performance, more than satisfactory knowledge, correct expression.

26-24: Standard performance, essential knowledge, but not comprehensive and/or not always correctly expressed;

23-21: Sufficient performance, general but superficial knowledge; often inappropriate expression and/or confused articulation of speech;

20-18: Poor performance, sufficient expression and articulation of speech with significant gaps;

<18: Insufficient performance, knowledge absent or very incomplete, lack of orientation in the discipline, poor and seriously flawed expression.

During in-person examinations, the use of AI is prohibited; any use of it constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are entitled to special adjustments according to their condition, subject to assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact teachers or Department staff, but make an appointment with the Service. The Service will then determine what adjustments are specifically appropriate, and get in touch with the teacher. For more information, please visit the page:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, Virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Bellucci