LARKIN:
Spring 2003
________________________________________
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?