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The Later Philosophy of Wittgenstein
PHIL385 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 is 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. In addition to the stated prerequisites it is suggested that the student have taken PHIL230.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: (PHIL202 AND PHIL233 AND PHIL200)

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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