(Russell and Moore sitting pensively.)
Course Description:
This course is concerned with the emergence of analytic philosophy
from 1879 to roughly 1925, and primarily on the works of Frege,
Russell and the early Wittgenstein. Lesser attention may also
be paid to other figures such as Moore, Whitehead and Ramsey.
The primary focus is on their theories in the areas of logic,
metaphysics and the philosophy of language. Themes include the
modern revolution in logic, the ontology of abstract objects,
logical paradoxes, the nature of truth, the analysis of meaning
and the increasing philosophical focus on language. Prerequisites:
two courses in philosophy, including at least one in formal
logic, or permission of the instructor. Texts: Gottlob
Frege, The Frege Reader (edited by Beaney), Bertrand Russell,
The Principles of Mathematics and The Philosophy of
Logical Atomism, and Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus,
and a course packet containing various other works.
Course Syllabus (including
course requirements, etc.)
Reading Schedule
Contents of Course Pack
(bibliographic information, etc.)