Philosophy MA/BSc/MA(SocSci)
Wittgenstein PHIL4043
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Humanities
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to Wittgenstein's later reflections on how it is that the world may find representation in our language and thought.
Timetable
16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Essay (2000 words) - 65%
■ Written assignment (1000 words) - 35%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There are no alternatives to the written pieces, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Reflect on Wittgenstein's later reflections on how it is that the world may find representation in our language and thought.
■ Provide an overview of the philosophical method that the Philosophical Investigations espouses.
■ Analyse and assess Wittgenstein's later views on language, meaning, and the nature of philosophy as expounded in the Philosophical Investigations.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
■ Analyse and assess Wittgenstein's later views on language, meaning, and the nature of philosophy as expounded in the Philosophical Investigations.
■ Give an exposition and account for the significance of Wittgenstein's concern with 'the Augustinian Theory of Language'.
■ Give an account of the concern with 'ostensive definition' in the Philosophical Investigations.
■ Give an account of Wittgenstein's discussions of how images and pictures are capable of representing and his criticisms of certain philosophical conceptions of how this might be achieved.
■ Explain his concern with meaning and understanding in the Philosophical Investigations, in particular his concern to deny that we might understand these notions in terms of processes or events in the mind or brain.
■ Give an overview of the philosophical method that the Philosophical Investigations espouses.