Department of Philosophy, John Carroll University
20700 N. Park Blvd., University Heights, OH, 44118; pmooney@jcu.edu; (216) 397-4786; Administration Building, B-Wing, #B-16. Office Hours, Fall, 2008: Monday, Wednesday, 2:30-4:30pm.
PL270, Analytic Philosophy
This extraordinary period in the history of philosophy (ca., 1880-1950) is perhaps best known for solving philosophical problems by means of linguistic analysis often coupled with a not-unfounded belief that empirical investigation sets the limits for human knowledge. PL270 is an instensive study of several of the best philosophical works resulting from this approach. Among the issues considered during the semester include the problem of non-being, materialism vs. idealism, God's existence, scientific claims vs. non-scientific claims about the world, linguistic meaning and reference, induction, 'anti'-metaphysics, Russell's Paradox, and naturalized epistemology. Philosophers studied will include Russell, Frege, Hempel, Quine, Wittgenstein, Carnap, Davidson, Anscombe, Ayer, Moore, Grice, Kripke, Sellars, Chisolm and Goodman.
Course Requirements
Course requirements focus upon three tutorial papers, each based upon specific readings. Questions to be answered in the papers are set about two weeks in advance; papers may be no longer than three pages, single-spaced; the first two papers must be accompanied by a tutorial meeting.
Tutorial meetings convene twice/semester and include myself and either two or three students. During the 50 minute session students read and discuss with each other specific segments of their papers.
A very strong class-attendance record is also required in order to receive credit for the course. Regular class preparation includes 25-40 difficult --> very difficult pages per week. There are no exams.
Books (please note 'required' and 'recommended' status for each)
Martinich, A. P. and David Sosa, eds. Analytic Philosophy: An Anthology, Blackwell, 2001. ISBN: 0631216472; LCClass: B 808.5 .A52 2001 (required)
Soames, Scott. Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century: Vol. 1, The Dawn of Analysis, Princeton, 2003. ISBN: 069112244x; LCClass: B 808.5 .S63 2003a. (recommended)
Soames, Scott. Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century: Vol. 2, The Age of Meaning, Princeton, 2003. ISBN: 0691115745; LCClass: B 808.5 .S63 2003b. (recommended)