Topic. The first half of the course will explain the motivations behind the Russellian approach to semantics, via an examination of its main competitors: possible worlds semantics and Fregeanism. We will then turn to consideration of the most fundamental problems which face Russellians, including: the problem of the unity of the proposition, the problem of empty names, seeming conflicts between Russellianism and both presentism and actualism, and Frege's puzzle. We'll begin with a brief overview of the theory of reference and the sorts of questions that semantic theories are trying to answer.

The second half of the course will turn from semantics to the founations of semantics. Our question will not be "What sorts of things are meanings?" but rather "What is it for a word to have a meaning?" We will begin with an examination of Kripke's "Wittgensteinian paradox", and go on to consider the views that the meanings of expressions are derived from the thoughts of language users, from their use, and from causal relations to objects and properties.

Texts. Most readings will be made available in PDF form via links from the syllabus. Many of the readings in the first half of the course will be from Jeff King's 2007 book, The Nature and Structure of Content. Students should purchase a copy of this book.

Assignments. A term paper or 8 hour written exam, as the student chooses.