Wittgenstein module (PI41014)

Ludwig Wittgenstein was one of the most influential twentieth-century philosophers. Wittgenstein famously thought that his earlier philosophy had 'ended' philosophical inquiry; but his later work is much more open, sceptical, and pluralistic. How can one career contain these contrasts?

In this module we will focus on Wittgenstein’s two most influential works, The Tractatus, and the Philosophical Investigations, with some reference to his other texts.

You will learn how both ‘analytic’ philosophy (which tends to focus on a logical and precise analysis of language) and ‘continental’ philosophy (which tends to focus on experience, aesthetics, and the link between philosophy and society) have been extensively and deeply influenced by Wittgenstein. You will also see how he has influenced the world beyond philosophy in literature, film, and social science. 
 

Together, we will place Wittgenstein’s philosophy in the context of contemporary European philosophy, with particular reference to such areas as phenomenology, ethics, and philosophy of language.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• deeply engage with one of the most influential European philosophers of the 20th century
• reflect on with what it means to change one's mind in philosophy
• gain a deep familiarity with a range of important concepts, including:
  • propositions
  • truth-functionality
  • language-games
  • propositional calculus
  • picture theory
  • ordinary language philosophy
  • scepticism
• develop an understanding of how rigorous philosophy can crossover with other areas of culture in interdisciplinary ways (e.g. art, music, literature, and film)

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• articulate why and how Wittgenstein matters for contemporary philosophy
• demonstrate and apply your knowledge of the early and late phases of Wittgenstein's work
• deeply engage key issues in philosophy of language, ethics, and aesthetics

Assignments / assessment

• textual commentary 1,500 words (30%)
• extended essay 3,500 words (70%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

Teaching is conducted via:

• lectures
• tutorials
• workshops
• film screening (Derek Jarman's film on Wittgenstein)