This course builds on the material of PHIL 181A/PHIL 281A, focusing on debates and developments in the pragmatics of conversation, the semantics/pragmatics distinction, the contextuality of meaning, the nature of truth and its connection to meaning, and the workings of particular linguistic constructions of special philosophical relevance. Students who have not taken PHIL 181A/PHIL 281A should seek the instructor's advice as to whether they have sufficient background.
4 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course builds on the material of 181A/281A, focusing on debates and developments in the pragmatics of conversation, the semantics/pragmatics distinction, the contextuality of meaning, the nature of truth and its connection to meaning, and the workings of particular linguistic constructions of special philosophical relevance. Students who have not taken 181A/281A should seek the instructor's advice as to whether they have sufficient background.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.