This module will explore a range of linguistic, epistemological, ethical and political questions surrounding both silence and speech.  

Our lives are shaped to a significant extent by what we say and know. Similarly, however, they are impacted by what we don’t say or don’t know. This opens up a range of philosophical questions, such as: Can we mean things by remaining silent? Can silence hinder knowledge production, leading to ignorance? Can it be a form of resistance, or be used to dissent? How does silence contribute to injustice, especially when it means that we fail to object to oppression?  

This module will bring together a number of philosophical discussions connected to silence, speaking, knowing and their relationship with each other: We will study accounts from philosophy of language that help us understand how we do things with speech, and think about how to apply them to silence. We will further think about the epistemic, ethical and political scope of this, and consider questions surrounding dissent, assent, resistance, democracy, responsibility, silencing and racism.

• Summarise and explain philosophical issues related to linguistic, epistemological, ethical and political questions around both silence and speaking 

• Construct arguments, both verbally and in written work, drawing on relevant philosophical work 

• Work independently 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year.

Transferable / Employability Skills: 

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include: 

• Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing. 

• Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay/exam writing. 

• Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay/exam preparation. 

• Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations. 

Grouo Video Discussion: 20%

Critical Commentary: 20%

Essay: 60%

This module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities. 

Topics covered on the module may include the below (note they are subject to change).  

Is remaining silent in a conversation an act of communication, and what can silence mean in a conversation? 

Are there different ways of remaining silent?  

How do silence and speech relate to assent and dissent?  

How do silence and speech relate to silencing?  

Is there an epistemic right to remain silent?

Can silence be a form of resistance?