PHIL385

[Wesleyan Home Page] [Wesmaps Home Page] [Availability Statistics Search] [Course Description Search] [Dept. Search]

PHIL385

The Later Philosophy of Wittgenstein PHIL385 SP

Next Offered in 9798 SP

The later writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein are obscure and fascinating. His philosophy has generated conversion of an almost religious order. The converted find Wittgenstein to have overturned "traditional philosophy", if not philosophy altogether. Yet no Wittgensteinian has provided an argument that is both clear and compelling for this claim. It is not surprising, then, that Wittgensteinianism finds itself considered esoteric and exclusive. This seminar will investigate the sense in which Wittgenstein's later work constitutes a criticism of "traditional" philosophy. By examining a range of themes in PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATIONS--criteria, grammar, meaning, understanding, rules, privacy, and ordinary language--we will assess the temptation to discover in Wittgenstein's texts an esoteric doctrine.

MAJOR READINGS

Ludwig Wittgenstein, PHILOSOPHICAL
INVESTIGATIONS, and some contemporary writings about
Wittgenstein.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One seminar paper (15-20 pp.), Two in-class presentations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregisterd students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the fist class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA PHIL

Prerequisites: PHIL202 or PHIL233

Last Updated on MAR-10-1997

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.