University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2012-2013Last update : 18/06/2013
PHIL0027-1  Contemporary philosophical texts

Duration :  30h Th
Number of credits :  
Bachelor in philosophy, 3rd year4
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in Philosophy4
Lecturer :  Arnaud Dewalque
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Organisation and examination :  
All year long
Course contents :  
The course is devoted to the topic of intentionality, that is to the basic ability we have to refer to the world, to be "directed towards" something (directedness) or to be "in a mental state about" something (aboutness). For the Austrian philosopher Franz Brentano (1839-1917) and, especially, for his former pupil Edmund Husserl (1859-1938), the concept of intentionality has been the subject of far-reaching controversies. We will examine some of those controversies: the issue of objectless presentations, the internalism-externalism opposition, the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic intentionality, and the like. The examination of those points will be based on the reading of classical texts, which will be discussed during the course.
Learning outcomes of the course :  
Main purpose: to clarify an important issue of contemporary philosophy. The question we will address is: what is intentionality? By the end of the course, students are supposed:
  • to understand what are the main philosophical options regarding to topic of intentionality
  • to see what is at stake in each of those options
  • to master some conceptual technicalities
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
This course is aimed at students in Philosophy only. It is recommended to have followed the course: History of contemporary philosophy (PHIL0010-1, A. Dewalque).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
Lectures based on a series of readings. Participants are required to have the related text(s) for each lesson.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
First lesson: Tuesday 20.09.2012. See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires
Recommended or required readings :  
Set books:
* K. Twardowski, On the Content and Object of Presentations(1894), engl. trans. R. Grossmann, The Hague, Nijhoff, 1977, § 1-7.
* A. Meinong, "The Theory of Objects", in R. Chisholm (ed.), Realism and the Background of Phenomenology, Glencoe, Free Press, 1960; reprint: Atascadero, Ridgeview, 1981, p. 76-117.
* E. Husserl, Logical Investigations, engl. trans. J. N. Findlay, London, Routledge, 1973, Fifth Logical Investigation, Chapter 2: "Consciousness as Intentional Experience".
* M. Heidegger, Being and Time, § 9-18, engl. trans. J. Macquarrie and E. Robinson, London, SCM Press, 1962.
* R. Chisholm, "Intentional Inexistence", in Id., Perceiving, New York, Cornell University Press, 1957; reprint 1961, p. 168-185.
* H. Putnam, "The Meaning of 'Meaning'", in Language, Mind, and Reality. Philosophical Papers, Vol. 2, Cambridge, CUP, 1975, p. 215-271.
* J. Searle, "The Nature of Intentional States", in Id.,Intentionality. An Essay in the Philosophy of Mind, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1983; reprinted 1999, Ch. I, p. 1-36.
The reading of the texts is required for students in philosophy. It is optional for listeners who follow the course without being officially registered as students. A complete bibliography will be made available for listeners (see the attached document below).
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Oral examination.
Work placement(s) :  
Organizational remarks :  
Contacts :  
Teacher Arnaud Dewalque Dpt of Philosophy 7, Place du 20-août, Building A1/2d floor B-4000 Liège Phone: 0032(4)366.55.93 E-mail a.dewalque@ulg.ac.be

Items online :  
Bibliography on Intentionality
Selected works on intentionality (primary and secondary literature). See "Teaching Activities 2012-2013" on my personal webpage.


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