Phil 593: Seminar - Early Analytic Philosophy

Fall 2000 - Kevin Klement

(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.)

Links

Gottlob Frege Information and Links Page
Bertrand Russell Archives at McMaster University
Bertrand Russell Society
Bertrand Russell Picture Gallery
Ludwig Wittgenstein Information and Links Page

Kevin's Home Page
UMass Philosophy Department
UMass Home Page

E-mail Kevin at klement@philos.umass.edu with any questions or concerns.