PHIL 309: Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy

LARKIN: Spring 2003

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DATE:    3-05-03

 

I.                     Objectives

A.      Lay Out Key Points of Contact between Wittgenstein and Logical Positivists

B.       Get the Basic Idea of the Positivists’ Critique of Metaphysics

C.       Form group for first presentation

 

 

II.                   Discussion

The Trouble with Everything

 

III.                 Lecture:

A.      Basics of Logical Positivism

1.        Critiquing Transcendental Metaphysics

2.        Empirical Criterion of Meaning

3.        The Function of Philosophy

 

B.       Points of Contact between Wittgenstein and Positivists

1.        Theories of Meaning—Criterion of Meaningfulness

2.        Critique of Transcendental Metaphysics

3.        Critique of Ethics/Theology/Epistemology

4.        The Function of Philosophy

 

 

IV.                 Discussion:

Is Verification Principle Self-Defeating?

 

V.                   Next Time

A.      Topic: Logical Positivism

B.       Reading:   Ayer, “The Elimination of Metaphysics”

C.       Reading Questions:  See Next Lecture Skeleton