How to Self-Study the Philosophy of Language this Summer

A Minimalist & Essentialist Approach to Self-Study the Philosophy of Language

Dear Readers, 

Happy Summer! As the season approaches for most of you in the western hemisphere, for us here in India, it's drawing to a conclusion with the monsoon on the horizon. It's been an eventful and busy summer for me with many unexpected (and expected) projects falling on my lap all at once. But amidst the chaos, I am happy to say that I have still managed to take out some time every day to continue my journey of exploring the philosophy of language. 

As you may have noticed, the philosophy of language has played a key role in almost all of the articles on this substack thus far. That’s partly due to my overwhelming interest in the field, but also because you cannot really talk much about philosophy without exploring the philosophy of language. No matter which way you have it, every line of philosophy ultimately connects to language and the intriguing ways in which we deploy it. 

When I first started to ‘formally’ explore the field back in October of 2023, I had no clue where to begin. Unlike many other similar fields, such as natural language processing in computer science, the philosophy of mind, and neuroscience, I found that the philosophy of language, much like language itself, is quite unstructured and obtuse, especially for beginners. It's difficult to decide where to begin. It's difficult still to decide the direction that you take once you enter the field. That’s partly because of the wide net the field casts everywhere from AI and Neuroscience to Epistemology and Sociology. 

So given the obstacles that I faced, I found it only pertinent to design an approach for self-studying this field as a beginner no matter what field you are coming from. Whether you are a software engineer, a philosophy major or even a neuroscientist, the courses, texts and books that I listed here can prove to be of high utility to you. 

Also, it gives you an excellent base to build your expertise upon. No matter what direction you take in this field, these resources will prove vital. I have tried to keep it extremely essentialist and minimalist, so as not to bog you down with stuff that may not be immediately relevant to you as a beginner. Also, I have made a conscious effort to not add AI or NLP related resources in this approach. I think philosophy of language is complicated enough as is without adding an AI angle to it from the get go. Once you’ve mastered this coursework, you can then choose to deploy the new skills in any field of your choosing. Let’s get started.

Artwork - Gakumon 学問

Free Courses on YouTube

There are a precious few comprehensive courses available on YouTube for the Philosophy of Language. I highly recommend starting with video courses because they are generally more engaging due to the visual element. Of course being on YouTube, all the courses are available for free. 

Crash Course Linguistics by Crash Course (YouTube Channel)

I highly recommend starting with linguistics before getting into the philosophy part. A lot of the terminology, etymology, and phenomenology covered in the field is highly predicated on the understanding of linguistics. There can be no better resource than crash course youtube channel for this. The series is structured around short, dynamic videos that introduce linguistic concepts in a manner that’s both easy to understand and engaging. The course begins with the fundamentals such as phonetics and syntax, then progresses to explore language acquisition and sociolinguistics. Each video is packed with animated graphics and real-world examples, making the abstract and complex elements of linguistics more tangible. It’s an ideal starter for anyone new to the field, setting a solid linguistic groundwork that is essential for diving into more philosophical discussions about language.

Crash Course Philosophy by Crash Course (YouTube Channel)

A lot of the terminology, frameworks and personalities that are quoted in the philosophy of language have a strong grounding in the spectrum of philosophy. Ergo, it might be a good idea to have a basic overview  of the field and again, Crash Course could be a great resource for that. Crash Course Philosophy covers a broad spectrum of philosophical topics, with specific videos dedicated to language-related issues such as "Language & Meaning" and "Linguistics & Language Games." These videos are key for understanding how language influences philosophical thought. The course breaks down difficult concepts like Wittgenstein's language games or Derrida's deconstruction, using relatable examples and clear explanations. This series encourages critical thinking about how language shapes our reality, making it a perfect segue into deeper philosophical language studies.

Introduction to the Philosophy of Language by Wireless Philosophy (YouTube Channel)

Now, getting into the philosophy of language itself, The Wireless Philosophy series can be a great place to start. It dives directly into core topics such as semantics, pragmatics, and the philosophy of linguistics. Each video is structured to build upon the last, creating a comprehensive narrative that guides the viewer through complex theories. For instance, the course explains theories of meaning, reference (like Frege’s sense and reference), and context-dependence in language, using philosophical arguments and thought experiments. 

Philosophy of Language Conditionals by Wireless Philosophy (YouTube Channel)

This focused series examines one of the most important aspects of language - conditionals. Also from Wireless Philosophy, this course covers the different types of conditional statements (indicative vs. counterfactual) and their implications in philosophical reasoning and everyday communication. The explanations are enriched with logical diagrams and real-life scenarios that help illustrate the nuances of conditional logic. This course is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of how conditional statements shape arguments and beliefs in philosophical discourse.

Philosophy of Language Lecture Series by John Searle (YouTube)

This is by far the best investment in time and effort that I have made in studying the philosophy of language. John Searle’s lectures are brilliant, engaging and extremely comprehensive. The only drawback is that they are made available only as audio on YouTube. Even then, this course is very valuable. Searle discusses foundational concepts such as the rules of language, the role of intentionality in communication, and the construction of social reality through speech acts. Each lecture is a deep dive into the philosophical mechanics of language use, backed by Searle’s own research and theories. If you have covered all the aforementioned courses, then you should have no difficulty following along with this one, and trust me, it's going to be worth it. 

Academic Textbooks

Now moving onto academic textbooks. Why read textbooks when you already completed the lecture series by Searle? You may have understood the concepts that are discussed in the lectures, but lectures can only take you so far. To understand each topic in-depth, you have to dip your feet a bit in academically structured texts. You may think them evil, but even so, they are necessary. I highly recommend following a supplementary approach with these textbooks. You could listen to one of Searle’s lectures, and then read the concepts discussed in one of these textbooks as a way to supplement your learning.

Philosophy of Language: A Contemporary Introduction by William G. Lycan

First up is one of my favourite texts in the field. William G. Lycan’s textbook is an essential resource for anyone beginning their journey into the philosophy of language. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the main topics in the field, including theories of meaning, reference, and truth conditions, as well as more contemporary discussions around pragmatics and speech acts. Lycan's clear, accessible writing makes complex concepts understandable for newcomers, while still being thorough enough to serve as a solid reference for more advanced scholars. 

Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language by John Searle

John Searle’s groundbreaking work, "Speech Acts," is fundamental for understanding how language functions beyond mere words to perform actions. Searle introduces the concept of speech acts, which has become a crucial framework in both linguistic and philosophical circles for analysing how speakers use language to accomplish intended actions. This book is especially recommended for you if you are interested in the intersection of language, intent, and social interaction. It explains how language operates in various contexts to effect changes and communicate beyond literal meanings.

Naming and Necessity by Saul A. Kripke

Saul A. Kripke’s "Naming and Necessity" expands upon traditional notions of semantics and reference in language. Kripke’s theories on proper names, necessity, and identity have reshaped philosophical perspectives on how language relates to the world. This text is critical for any philosophy of language course, providing arguments that are essential for understanding how names and objects are linked in our discourse. It is particularly valuable for those interested in metaphysics and the logic that underpins linguistic structures.

The Minimalist Program by Noam Chomsky

If you are a linguist or a philosopher who hasn’t read Chomsky, then I am not sure you have earned the right to refer to yourself as such. For one, there is no way that you can escape his works in linguistics and philosophy, and second, if you did manage to somehow escape him, you may not survive in the field for too long. Noam Chomsky’s "The Minimalist Program" outlines his influential approach to syntax within the broader field of linguistics, which also intersects significantly with philosophical inquiries into language. Chomsky proposes that our linguistic knowledge is grounded in a universal grammar that is minimal yet rich enough to generate the diversity of languages seen worldwide. I have written about it extensively on this substack. Just have a look at the back catalogue to find the articles. There are plenty. This work is crucial for understanding the cognitive aspects of language, exploring how human mental capacities shape and are shaped by linguistic structures. Although more technical, it provides essential insights into the underlying principles that govern language acquisition and use.

Books

Courses are for boosting your understanding of the subject matter. Textbooks are for supplementing that understanding with essential information. But books are for boosting your curiosity and interest in the field itself. That is why it is crucial to read interesting books by experts in the field. Books, unlike textbooks, are written for a more broad audience often covering insights into the field that build curiosity and inspire awe. I can recommend plenty of books in this regard, but keeping with the minimalist approach that we have maintained thus far, I will only recommend my absolute favourites.

What Kind of Creatures Are We? by Noam Chomsky

This is one of my all time favourites. It's relatively short, but packed with amazing insights into the nature of language and human cognition. I have it in audio format and must have listened to it at least 14 times by now. Everytime I listen to it, I learn something new. It explores the nature of human cognition with a focus on linguistic capabilities and the philosophical questions surrounding them. Chomsky delves into the mysteries of human intellectual capacities, particularly discussing the limitations and scope of human knowledge, the uniqueness of human language, and the philosophy of mind and consciousness. Chomsky makes a compelling argument for understanding language as a window into the human mind. It's an ideal read for those who want to engage with profound philosophical and ethical questions about what it means to be human.

The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker

This book argues that humans are born with an innate capacity for language. It is a compelling blend of psychology, linguistics, and evolutionary biology. It casts a wide net of exploration about how languages are learned, how they evolve, and how the human brain interprets them. Pinker uses accessible language and engaging anecdotes to discuss complex ideas, making this book a favourite for anyone interested in the biological and psychological underpinnings of language. It is particularly valuable if you are looking to understand how natural language fits into the broader context of human biology and cultural evolution.

Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

This is another one of those books that you will keep re-reading. This book is revolutionary in its claim that metaphors are central to understanding and functioning in the world, influencing how we perceive and interact with our environment. This book goes beyond traditional philosophy of language by linking metaphors to everyday life and showing how our realities are shaped by the language we use. The authors provide numerous examples to illustrate how metaphors not only reflect but actually structure our perceptions and interactions. This book is essential for anyone interested in the powerful role language plays in shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and institutions. I first read this book in October of last year and must have re-read it at least 10 times since. 

The Stuff of Thought by Steven Pinker

In this book, Steven Pinker examines the relationship between language and human nature, exploring how our words reflect our thoughts, relationships, and societal norms. Pinker investigates topics like swearing, naming, and what verbs say about temporal and causative thought processes. This book combines cognitive science with linguistic analysis to reveal insights into how our language choices can illuminate hidden aspects of the human psyche and social relationships. It's particularly recommended for those looking to deepen their understanding of how cognitive processes are mirrored and shaped by language.

So there you have it. That is my tailor made, minimalist essentialist syllabus to master the philosophy of language in a summer. I sincerely hope that you find these resources as valuable as I did and that your journey into learning the philosophy of language is as enlightening and rewarding as it has been for me. If you think there are some excellent resources that are missing in this article, please leave a comment and let me know. I will make sure to update this article periodically with as and when I find new valuable resources. 

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