Studies in 19th and 20th Century Philosophy (317-0-21)
Instructors
Sean Christopher Ebels Duggan
847/491-2553
Kresge 3-443
Meeting Info
Kresge Cent. Hall 2-380 Kaplan: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course will study Ludwig Wittgenstein's later work, the Philosophical Investigations. Wittgenstein's early work, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, was influenced by Frege and Russell, and in turn influenced the logical positivists (though he disavowed much of their appropriation of his work). One of the goals of the Investigations is to oppose the picture of logic in the Tractatus, as a subject of "crystalline purity". Logic, in the new view, arises from rule-governed practices appearing as a part of human life, and requires "agreement in judgments". "This seems to abolish logic;" he declares, "but does not." In the course of this argument and the resulting investigation of meaning, understanding, and mind, Wittgenstein introduces the notions of language games, forms of life, and the "rule-following considerations" that have played an important role in late 20th-century philosophy. This course will focus on a close reading of the Investigations in light of both his early work and its impact on later philosophy.
Requirement: One previous philosophy class with a writing component. (So, not PHIL 150, 250, or 350.)
Registration Requirements
One previous philosophy class with a writing component. (So, not PHIL 150, 250, or 350.)
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the major approaches to reading Wittgenstein's later work.
2. Recognize and deploy Wittgenstein's idiosyncratic philosophical toolkit.
3. Appreciate Wittgenstein's challenge to current debates in philosophy, and current thinking's challenge to his thought.
4. Critically assess and respond to selected aspects of Wittgenstein's views.
5. Develop clarity in spoken and written discussion.
6. Write a clear and concise philosophical arguments.
Evaluation Method
Final exam in class.
Class Materials (Required)
Class materials must be purchased.
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations, Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. 4th edition. ISBN 978-1-405-15928-9
Class Materials (Suggested)
Penelope Maddy. The Logical Must: Wittgenstein on Logic, Oxford UP, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-197-51178-7
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logic-Philosophicus, translated by Michael Beaney. Oxford UP 2023. ISBN 978-0198861379
James R. Shaw. Wittgenstein on Rules: Justification, Grammar, and Agreement, Oxford UP, 2022. ISBN: 9780197609989
Class Notes
Final exam in class
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.