Philosophy and Linguistics

Philosophy has been at the core of Western intellectual life for at least 2,500 years. It is central to our understanding of the world and our interaction with it.

Philosophy gives you the skills to think about great philosophical questions in a clear and systematic way.

While there are different approaches that philosophers have taken, the study of philosophy focuses on:

* argument

* critical enquiry

* rigour in reasoning

* clarity of expression, including making important distinctions

Philosophy at Edinburgh

The University has a strong historic connection to the subject, counting Adam Ferguson and Sir William Hamilton among its former students.

Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest philosophy departments and the Philosophy Society attracts high-profile speakers.

Linguistics

Linguistics explores how language works. It describes how we create meaning through:

* sounds

* words

* sentences

* conversations

It also studies:

* the uses of language in everyday life

* ways in which language varies across society and evolves over time

* how language is mastered by children

Linguistics has a long history at the University of Edinburgh, and our teaching staff have an excellent reputation for research in this area.

Studying Philosophy and Linguistics

This joint programme gives you an in-depth knowledge in both subject areas, and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most.