Summary. Two different kinds of theories often go under the heading ‘theory of meaning’: semantic theories, which are descriptive theories which say which meanings are paired with which expressions, and foundational theories of meaning, which try to explain the nature of the relation which holds between expressions and their meanings. The two kinds of theories are clearly related; adherence to a certain semantic theory might encourage certain views about foundational questions, or vice versa. Nonetheless, the two sorts of theories are distinct. This seminar will focus on contemporary approaches to the foundations of meaning.

Other issues which will be relevant to the seminar include the relationship between thought and language, the relative priorities of communities and individuals in the explanation of intentionality, the innateness of language, the relationship between use and meaning, and the nature of linguistic rules.

Requirements. Students will be required to write a term paper, give one or more presentations in the seminar, and participate in discussions.

Texts. The papers and selections of books which we’ll be discussing will be made available for photocopy.

”McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (see http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity for more information).”

”L’université McGill attache une haute importance à l’honnêteté académique. Il incombe par conséquent à tous les étudiants de comprendre ce que l’on entend par tricherie, plagiat et autres infractions académiques, ainsi que les conséquences que peuvent avoir de telles actions, selon le Code de conduite de l’étudiant et des procédures disciplinaires (pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le site http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity).”