260045 How to Do Things With Words (GradS) (WiSe 2026/2027)

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We use language to do all sorts of things. We make assertions, of course, but we also make promises, issue insults, name babies, and bid at auctions. What is the difference between saying something and doing something by saying it? What makes a promise a promise, as opposed to a predication, and what can go wrong when we make one? This seminar will introduce students to speech act theory through one of its foundational texts: J. L. Austin's How to Do Things With Words. Depending on how quickly we move through the book, we might finish by looking at a few applications of Austin's theory, particularly in feminist philosophy.

Teaching staff

Dates ( Calendar view )

Frequency Weekday Time Format / Place Period  
weekly Fr 14-18   16.10.-04.12.2026

Subject assignments

Module Course Requirements  
26-GL_PDG Basics Philosophy of Mind Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-HM_PP7_HAT Main Module PP7: Theory of Action Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-HM_TP4_SP Main Module TP4: Philosophy of Language Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-HM_TP6_PG Main Module TP6: Philosophy of Mind Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-HM_TP8_GTP Main Module TP8: History of Theoretical Philosophy Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-M-TP_GR_a Basics Theoretical Philosophy Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-M-TP_VE_a Specialization Module Theoretical Philosophy Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
26-VT_PDG Specialization Philosophy of Mind Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information

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WS2026_260045@ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de
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Last update basic details/teaching staff:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 
Last update times:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 
Last update rooms:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 
Type(s) / SWS (hours per week per semester)
graduate seminar (GradS) /
Language
This lecture is taught in english
Department
Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology / Department of Philosophy
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763478255