THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy 4210F/9727A/Linguistics 9452A: Problems in

Fall Term 2012 Instructor: R. Stainton Fr 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. StH 3126 Location: Stevenson Hall 1145 Office Hours: TBA [email protected]

DESCRIPTION

The themes of this special topics course are the metaphysical and methodological foundations of theoretical linguistics. It is sub-divided thematically into two parts: what kind of thing theoretical (and especially generative) linguistics is about (i.e., the place of physical, mental and abstract entities therein); and the proper evidence-base for theoretical linguistics.

Of interest to undergraduate and graduate students in both the linguistics and philosophy programs, it is important to stress that the course addresses philosophical/foundational topics rather than empirical ones. While familiarity with at least one is essential, the course will not presuppose detailed knowledge of either discipline.

TEXTS

Peter Ludlow (2011). The Philosophy of Generative Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Custom Course Pack: M10374

OBJECTIVES

- To introduce students to key issues at the foundations of theoretical linguistics. - To fine-tune students’ ability to read, think and write at the most sophisticated level.

TOPICS

I. Preliminaries

II. Introduction to Theoretical Linguistics in the Generative Tradition  Peter Ludlow (2011). “Linguistic Preliminaries”. Chapter 1 of The Philosophy of Generative Linguistics.

III. Linguistic , Part One: What Linguistics is About • Barbara Partee (1978). “: Mathematics or Psychology?” • Alexander George (1989). “How Not to Get Confused About Linguistics” • Stephen Laurence (2003). “Is Linguistics a Branch of Psychology?” • Michael Devitt (2003). “Linguistics Is Not Psychology” • Peter Ludlow (2011). “The Ontology of Generative Linguistics”. Chapter 2 of The Philosophy of Generative Linguistics

IV. Linguistic Methodology • (1984). “Linguistics and Psychology” • W.V.O. Quine (1987). “Indeterminacy of Translation Again” • (1995). “Language and Nature” • Louise Antony (2003). “Rabbit-Pots and Supernovas: On the Relevance of Psychological Data to Linguistic Theory” • Corinne Iten et al. (2007). “On Restricting the Evidence Base for Linguistics”

V. Linguistic Metaphysics, Part Two: Internalism and Externalism • Sylvain Bromberger and Morris Halle (2000). “The Ontology of Phonology (Revised)” • Ray Jackendoff (2006). “Locating Meaning in the Mind (Where It Belongs)” • Georges Rey (2006). “Externalism and Inexistence in Early Content” • Brian Epstein (2008). “The Internal and the External in Linguistic Explanation” • Peter Ludlow (2011). “Referential Semantics for Narrow Ψ-Languages”. Chapter 6 of The Philosophy of Generative Linguistics. • Robert Stainton (2011). “In Defense of Public Languages”

REQUIREMENTS

In-Class Participation: 10% Seven “Briefing Notes” on Selected Philosophical Readings: 35% In-Class Exam: 25% Short Essay: 30%

• Briefing Notes: At the outset of the relevant classes, students will hand in three to four pages of typewritten notes on the chapter assigned. (750-1000 words is appropriate.) These “briefing notes” will consist of two parts: an outline of the main argument being made (which is not necessarily a section-by-section outline of the paper), and some critical questions and comments.

• Exam: The in-class exam will cover all the material presented up to that point. Some knowledge of theoretical linguistics will be tested, on the grounds that familiarity with actual linguistic theorizing is essential to successful philosophical reflection on the discipline. Nonetheless, the focus will be on comprehension of larger philosophical themes.

• Essay: The paper should be the sort of thing one could submit to a student conference – ideally about 12 double-spaced pages in length, definitely not more than 14 pages. It may be either more empirical or more philosophical, depending upon the interests and background of the student.

AUDIT Students wishing to audit the course should consult with the instructor prior to or during the first week of classes.

The Department of Philosophy Policies which govern the conduct, standards, and expectations for student participation in Philosophy courses is available in the Undergraduate section of the Department of Philosophy website at http://uwo.ca/philosophy/undergraduate/policies.html. It is your responsibility to understand the policies set out by the Senate and the Department of Philosophy, and thus ignorance of these policies cannot be used as grounds of appeal.