Wittgenstein Studies

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Fall

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein. In addition to giving a general overview of his philosophical work it gives an introduction to concepts, views and methods central to his philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should have

- a general overview of key concepts, viewpoints and methods within Wittgenstein's philosophy

- understanding of the similarities and differences between various approaches to and interpretations of Wittgenstein

- more thorough knowledge of a further limited topic within the field

Skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to

- recognize key positions, argumentation and presentation methods in Wittgenstein-research, and to disseminate the main features of this research

- identify and familiarize him/herself with the key literature on Wittgenstein's philosophy, and disseminate knowledge of this literature and the perspectives it provides on Wittgenstein's philosophy to an academic and a general audience

- reflect on the relevance of key concepts, viewpoints and methods within Wittgenstein's philosophy in order to understand and assess current issues and problems

Competence:

The course provides a basis for further studies aimed at the bachelor's degree with a specialisation in philosophy. In combination with other courses the student will be eligible for the teaching of philosophy in secondary school or upper secondary school. The course may also be suitable to support specialization in fundamental questions in connection with the study of other subjects.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Specialized study courses presuppose good background knowledge in philosophy, and students should normally have finished their exams in all 100-level compulsory courses. A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

FIL217 overlap 10 points with FIL317 (Master topic in Wittgenstein Studies). Please contact the department for further information.

Access to the Course

The course is open to students admitted at the University of Bergen

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

Guidance of semester assignment: guidance is a voluntary offer and can occur individually or in groups.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.

Passing grade in end-of-course test.

Forms of Assessment

A semester assignment paper of 3000- 5000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

Grading Scale

From A to F