Why Study This Course?
Many philosophical problems arise because of the way we use language. Ordinary Language Philosophy challenged the idea that philosophy should construct grand theories, instead encouraging careful attention to the words we use in everyday life. This course explores the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein, J.L. Austin and Gilbert Ryle, three of the twentieth century’s most influential philosophers. Through lively discussion and close examination of everyday language, learners will discover how analysing ordinary speech can illuminate questions about meaning, knowledge, mind, ethics and the nature of philosophical enquiry itself.
This ten-week course introduces Ordinary Language Philosophy, one of the most influential philosophical movements of the twentieth century. Rejecting the search for abstract metaphysical systems, ordinary language philosophers argued that many philosophical puzzles arise through misunderstandings about the way language is used. By examining ordinary speech and everyday communication, they sought to dissolve rather than solve many traditional philosophical problems.
The course begins by exploring the historical background to the movement, including its emergence from developments in analytic philosophy and the later work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Learners will examine Wittgenstein's view that the meaning of words depends upon their use within particular "language games" and forms of life.
The course then turns to J.L. Austin, whose analysis of speech acts transformed the philosophy of language by demonstrating that language is used not only to describe the world but also to perform actions. Learners will consider how promises, apologies, commands and other forms of speech function within everyday life.
Attention will also be given to Gilbert Ryle's influential critique of Cartesian dualism in The Concept of Mind. Learners will explore Ryle's argument that many philosophical misunderstandings about the mind result from conceptual confusion and what he famously described as a "category mistake."
Indicative weekly topics include:
Week 1: Introduction to Ordinary Language Philosophy and its historical context.
Week 2: The later Wittgenstein: language games and forms of life.
Week 3: Meaning as use: understanding language in everyday contexts.
Week 4: Philosophical problems as linguistic confusion.
Week 5: J.L. Austin and the philosophy of ordinary language.
Week 6: Speech Act Theory: how words perform actions.
Week 7: Gilbert Ryle and The Concept of Mind.
Week 8: Category mistakes, mind and behaviour.
Week 9: Ordinary Language Philosophy and contemporary debates in philosophy, linguistics and artificial intelligence.
Week 10: Review and evaluation: does analysing language resolve philosophical problems?
Sessions will combine tutor presentations, reading of carefully selected extracts, group discussion and practical analysis of everyday examples of language. Learners will examine philosophical texts alongside familiar conversations and expressions while considering broader philosophical questions.
Throughout the course learners will be encouraged to contribute their own examples, question assumptions and develop their own philosophical viewpoints within a supportive learning environment.
By the end of the course learners should have an understanding of the key ideas of Wittgenstein, Austin and Ryle, appreciate the significance of Ordinary Language Philosophy within twentieth-century philosophy.
For best progression, Improv skills are built upon by regular engagement - a bit like going to the
gym to build your communica2on muscle.
It is recommended to complete a full term cycle before progression.
Please note that tutors may occasionally be changed at short notice. While teaching styles may vary, we ensure consistent quality across all of our courses. For this reason, a change of tutor does not qualify for a refund.
