Wittgenstein

Module overview

Wittgenstein is the most important philosopher of the twentieth century. He offers a sustained critique of many of the most common assumptions underlying much contemporary philosophy of mind and language. He explores, among other things, the questions of how meaning and rule-following are possible, whether I can know even those things that are normally taken for granted – such as that I have hands – and whether there can be such a thing as a 'private language'. This module aims to introduce you to some of the central ideas in Wittgenstein's philosophical writings.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

take notes effectively from talks and written materials.
work effectively to deadlines.
undertake, with appropriate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
extract key information from difficult texts.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

defend your views with cogent arguments, taking into account possible criticisms.
present and debate ideas, both orally and in writing, in an open-minded but rigorous way.
to interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the main themes of Wittgenstein’s writings in his key writings and the issues he addresses.
the development of Wittgenstein’s philosophy and the relationship of the issues he discusses to other areas of philosophy.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: - Lectures - In class discussion - One to one consultation with the module coordinator Learning activities include: - Attending lectures - Participating in class discussion - Doing research for and completing assessment tasks

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	33
Independent Study	117
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

M. McGinn (1997). Routledge Guidebook to Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations. London: Routledge.

L Wittgenstein (2009). Philosophical Investigations. Oxford: Blackwell.

L Wittgenstein (1969). The Blue and Brown Books. Oxford: Blackwell.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Essay proposal

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Students will receive written feedback on the essay draft. Students have the opportunity to receive further verbal feedback by consultation with the module coordinator.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No
Percentage contribution: 100%

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	60%
Exam	40%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Timed Assignment	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	40%
Essay	60%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External