PHIL 309: Twentieth Century Analytic Philosophy

LARKIN: Spring 2003

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DATE:    3-25-03

 

I.                     Objectives

A.      Discuss the Positivist’s Views on Function of Philosophy

B.       Get Overview of Carnap’s “Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology”

 

 

II.                   Discussion

How does the positivist’s view of philosophy compare to/contrast with the views of other figures/schools we have looked at?

 

 

III.                 Lecture:

A.      Group Presentation on Carnap’s “Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology”

 

B.       Anonymous Analysis of Main Points of Presentation

 

C.       Carnap Summary

1.        The Problem of Abstract Entities

2.        The Internal/External Distinction

3.        Accepting the Existence of Entities

4.        Semantics

 

D.      Analysis of Carnap

1.        Similarities with Positivism?

2.        Differences from Positivism?

3.        Problems?

 

IV.                 Next Time

A.      Topic: Quine’s Critique of Logical Positivism

B.       Reading:   Quine, “Two Dogmas of Empiricism”

C.       Reading Questions: 

1.        What is the problem of abstract entities?

2.        Explain Carnap’s distinction between internal and external questions.  How are these different types of questions answered?

3.        In what way is Carnap a logical positivist?  Are there any important divergences between Carnap and Ayer?