Language & Power

Language plays a central role in our interactions with others in the world: not only is it a way to convey information, but it is also an action which itself can have a significant impact on others. Language helps us to convey our thoughts and to foster relationships and build communities. It can also be a powerful mechanism through which to derogate, marginalize, or subordinate people.

This course draws on texts from philosophy of language, epistemology, and social philosophy - including feminist philosophy and CRT - to examine how language draws on, exerts, and reinforces social power in both official and everyday interactions.