Philosophy and Linguistics - MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

**Philosophy**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**Linguistics**Linguistics explores how language works. It describes how we create meaning through:* sounds* words* signs* sentences* conversationsIt 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 childrenLinguistics has a long history at the University of Edinburgh, and our teaching staff have an excellent reputation for research in this area.**Programme benefits*** Philosophy has been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. Edinburgh was the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy.* You will have a choice of more than 40 option courses in Years 3 and 4 in all the main branches of philosophy.* Our world-leading academics are especially strong in:* philosophy of mind and cognition, language and science* ethics* epistemology* history of philosophy* The University has a strong historic connection to the subject, with 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.**

School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences