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Monday
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Feminist philosophy of language is a comparatively young discipline that investigates how gender, power structures, and other forms of oppression shape our language, concepts, and modes of expression. It critically examines how different forms of oppression manifest themselves in language, what kinds of injustices are produced or reinforced through concepts—or through the absence of concepts—and how power relations render certain speech acts impossible or silence them. Constructive or positive programmes in feminist philosophy of language discuss the empowering effects of language and linguistic forms of expression, and explore how concepts and words (for example, gender pronouns) can be changed, renegotiated, and developed in order to promote social justice.
In the seminar, we will engage with various approaches to feminist philosophy of language, especially those of the last thirty years. These approaches address, among other things, the ‘maleness’ of language, the meaning and construction of ‘Gender’ and ‘Race’, questions of linguistic/conceptual injustice, political voice and voicelessness, as well as the empowering and transformative forces of different forms of speech and protest. ‘Feminist’ is understood here in a broad sense that includes trans, queer as well as intersectional and postcolonial perspectives.
The seminar texts and the seminar language will be in English. However, exams and single questions may also be in German. In addition to the content-related goals, the seminar also provides a supportive space for practising reading and discussing in English i.e., students who feel that their English is a bit ‘rusty’ are very welcome. Room 2.405