In this course key texts of ancient and medieval philosophers of language and semantics will be discussed. These authors include the Presocratic philosophers, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Peter of Spain, Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham and others. The texts will be discussed in translations, with the help of the results of modern research.
According to some modern theorists on language and the meaning of terms and propositions, thought about reality as such is not possible any more. Philosophy is linked up with language and nothing more than that. According to Ancient and Medieval philosophers, however, language is always connected with reality. Concepts play a pivotal role regarding this relation. Metaphysical problems are closely connected with their views on language and meaning. What exactly is language according to those older authors, what is meaning, what is reference, what is ambiguity, what is etymology? Their view varied to a large extent.
Onderwijsvorm
Seminar
Toetsing
Paper
Literatuur
*Paul V. Spade, Thoughts, Words and Things. An Introduction to Late Medieval Logic and Semantic Theory (1966) ch. 2. (a copy free of charge can be downloaded from Spade’s website http://pvspade.com). *The texts to be discussed will be made available via Blackboard.
Toegangseisen
BA in Philosophy, including an introductory course in Ancient Philosophy.
Rooster
see Timetable MA in Philosophy 2008-2009
Aanmelden
Please register for this course via U-twist. See registration procedure
Informatie
Prof.dr. E.P. Bos (e.p.bos@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Opmerkingen
Specialisation : History of Philosophy / Theoretical Philosophy