PHILOSOPHY
Language, Education and Religion: Readings in the Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein
TERM 3: FOCUS ON QN330
Wednesdays 
Patrick Quinn
Ludwig Wittgenstein (1989-1951) was a unique 20th century philosophy whose main focus of concern lay in the importance of language and its influence on our thinking. This remained a predominant interest of his throughout his life. This course will examine his views on philosophy and on the relationship between language and thinking, and on his special contribution to theories of learning and teaching. His remarks on belief in general and on religious belief in particular will also be examined. While some previous knowledge of philosophy may be useful, it is not essential for participating in this course. Short relevant handouts will be provided and class participants are encouraged, if they so wish, in the discussions that arise.
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BLACKROCK |
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6 Wednesdays |
April 17, 24, May 1, 8,15, 22 |
10.30am - 12.30pm |
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FEE €115 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
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Tutor Bio
Dr. Patrick Quinnhas a particular interest in Wittgenstein’s views on education and religion. He has tutored in adult education in UCD over a number of years, especially in philosophy. He is Head of the Dept. of Philosophy, All Hallows College, Dublin, associate lecturer in the National College of Ireland where he lectures in the philosophy of education, and a faculty member of the Centre for the Study of Platonism, Trinity College, Dublin. He has published widely in philosophy, including in the philosophy of education, and has broadcast on these subjects in RTE radio and television.
Provisional list of key topics:
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the function of philosophy, as Wittgenstein conceives it
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the centrality of language to philosophical investigation
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language and thinking
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aspects of education
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the role of belief in human life
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religious belief
Who is the course for:
Anyone interested in philosophy, and particularly in the topics examined by Wittgenstein, and who wishes to examine in a sustained way the direction of his thinking.
Reading List:
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
Wittgenstein in Cambridge: Letters and Documents 1911-1951(2012), ed. by Brian McGuinness, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.On Certainty (1979) by Ludwig Wittgenstein, ed. by G.E.M. Anscombe and G.H. von Wright, trans. By Denis Paul and G.E.M. Anscombe, Oxford: Basil Blackwell.Culture and Value (1980) by Ludwig Wittgenstein, trans. By Peter Winch, Oxford: Basil Blackwell.Philosophy of Religion A-Z (2005) by Patrick Quinn, Edinburgh University Press