The course will provide students with tools for the application of rigorous methods to the analysis of fundamental issues in the field of philosophy of language. Students will be expected to acquire the capacity to analyse and evaluate arguments and discuss philosophical problems concerning the structure of language and the nature of meaning in a clear and rigorous way.
Knowledge of English at B2 level is required.
Lectures include a presentation by the teacher and questions to test understanding of the issue under examination, followed by a discussion on the topics covered to stimulate critical thinking and the ability to interact with the teacher and other students. Students will be asked to do presentations in class which will be part of the final evaluation.
Attending students will be assessed both on their ability to present a theory, debate, or argument in defense of a theory orally in class and on an essay (not exceeding 2000 words) to be agreed with the teacher.
The essay will be marked on clarity, competence, and originality. The deadline for sending the written essay must be agreed in advance with the teacher (see 'Written submission' below). Non-attending students (students who did not give a presentation in class) will be assessed by two written essays. The deadline for sending the written essays must be agreed in advance with the teacher (see 'Written submission' below).
Class presentation: For the classroom presentation, you can choose to make the presentation alone or in pairs. The way you organize the presentation depends on the student's choices as long as it is accepted by the teacher. Possible ways of organizing the presentation include: - (for a solo presentation) Quickly present a theory and a particular objection and try to defend the proponent of the theory against the objection. - (for a presentation in pairs) One of the two presents an argument in favor of a theory and the other an objection. Each pair tries to defend the position they have presented.
Written submission(s): The organization of the written essay(s) is up to the student but must be agreed upon with the teacher. The essay may be (for example) (i) a defense of a theory, (ii) a defense of an objection to a theory, (iii) a comparison of different theories to show that one is better than the others. Students are asked to send a reasoned index of the essay structure to the lecturer before starting to write the essay. And after review of the reasoned index by the lecturer, the student may write the essay and send it in by the deadline.
Humour
Humour is an important part of our lives. The course aims to explore it by considering the following questions: what are the main theories of humour? what is the relationship between humour and laughter? is comic amusement an emotion? what is the role of comic amusement in our lives? do moral failings enhance amusement?
Prof. Elisa Paganini
e-mail: elisa.paganini@guest.unibg.it
Email me to arrange an appointment or for any other question.
