PHIL30890 Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations

Academic Year 2023/2024

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) is one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. The course will take you through his posthumously published masterpiece "Philosophical Investigations" (PI), addressing his attack on the Augustinian conception of language, his Private Language Argument and its significance, his conception of rule-following and normativity generally, and his anti-empiricist conception of the mind. Wittgenstein famously revolutionised the practice of philosophy twice during the course of the 20th century, in two very different ways. Through close in-class discussions of the text and short written assignments in seminar-style, participative fashion, we hope to bring out some of the excitement and deep puzzlement that Wittgenstein's most important text continues to elicit.

(A note on the assessment for this module: Each week there will be different assigned readings from Wittgenstein's PI to be discussed. There will be 6 short summary and reflection assignments submitted to Brightspace (600–1000 words, roughly 1-2 pages, at 14% each; the remaining 16% is for engagement in the seminars and tutorials ). These will be due on Mondays by 23:59 on whatever reading is assigned for that given week (the seminars are on Wed 11-12.50pm). 3 of the 6 assignments must be submitted during seminar weeks 2–6, with your choice of which 3 Mondays to submit; similarly, 3 will be submitted during weeks 7–12 on Mondays of your choice. (Late submissions will be accepted after the 1st half and again after the 2nd half of the module, at the usual UCD 1-2 week late penalties.)

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to describe and critically engage with the main ideas and arguments concerning language, mind and the nature of rule-governed practices in Wittgenstein’s later writings.

Indicative Module Content:

Course Schedule (subject to change):

The background to Wittgenstein's later philosophy;
The Augustinian conception of language where words stand for objects and sentences for states of affairs;
Concepts and essences;
Understanding;
Reading and being guided;
Following rules;
Sensations and the private language argument;
Thinking and inner speech;
Communication;
Mental states;
Intentions;
Seeing aspects.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

7
Autonomous Student Learning

94
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be run as a series of face-to-face seminars in which the students are expected to contribute and to have read and thought about the short extracts from Wittgenstein's Investigations in advance. Tutorials will support these seminars by discussion key sections of the text and by using Marie McGinn's guidebook to Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations as a further basis for discussion. Independent work on the texts, problem-solving in groups and presenting ideas in seminars and tutorials will enable students to develop their understanding of the philosophical ideas. The assessment model of writing a total of six short but careful (1-2 page) reflections on the text throughout the semester and submitted in advance of the respective weekly seminar will encourage student engagement throughout the course. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 2 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 4 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 6 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 5 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14
Continuous Assessment: Engagement with seminars and tutorials Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

16
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 1 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14
Assignment: Short summary of and reflection on a specific section from the Philosophical Investigations (600 - 1000 words) 3 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

14

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will get written feedback on their written assignments within two weeks of submitting them and verbal feedback on the ideas presented from their peers in the seminars and tutorials.

Wittgenstein, L., Philosophical Investigations. 4th edition. G. E. M. Anscombe, P. Hacker and J. Schulte (trans.). Oxford: Blackwell. Sections from this text will be made available through the course.

McGinn, M, Routledge Guidebook to Wittgenstein and the Philosophical Investigations, London: Routledge. Online version is available from UCD library website.
Name Role
Professor James O'Shea Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Rowland Stout Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Maria Agnese Casellato Tutor
Philipp Wagenhals Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Spring