Slurring and Swearing

The conference brings together researchers from the philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, semantics and pragmatics to explore issues concerning pejoratives, swear words and expressive language. The conference aims to address a range of questions directly related to such language. For instance, what is the semantic content of such expressions? What are the pragmatic effects of the use of such terms? What is the relationship between such expressions and psychological attitudes like disapproval or contempt? What accounts for their distinctive status as offensive or derogatory pieces of language, and how did they come to be that way? In addition to being important independent objects of inquiry, such questions have the potential to deepen and forge new directions in our understanding of well-worn topics in a diverse range of sub-disciplines.   

We are organising this conference in accordance with the BPA/SWIP Good Practice Scheme and are committed to ensuring that the conference is fully accessible. If required, childcare will be provided.   

A limited number of subsidies for accommodation is provided for postgraduate student delegates. There will also be an optional conference dinner on the Saturday evening. To register for the conference, see the conference registration shop website: http://onlineshop.st-andrews.ac.uk/conferences-events/conferences/arche/arch-slurring-and-swearing-conference. This conference is made possible with the generous support of the Analysis Trust, The Aristotelian Society The Mind Association and the Scots Philosophical Association.

For more information, please contact the organisers: Poppy Mankowitz, Ashley Shaw and Alper Yavuz by sending an email to [email protected].