Philosophy of Language and Logic

The Philosophy of Language and Logic programme at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions related to meaning, communication, and reasoning. This interdisciplinary field combines philosophical analysis with logical reasoning to examine the nature of language, how it reflects thought, and how it facilitates human understanding. Throughout the programme, students engage with key topics such as the philosophy of meaning, reference, truth, and the structure of logical systems. The curriculum includes courses on formal logic, semantics, pragmatics, and the philosophical foundations of language, providing a comprehensive understanding of how language functions both in everyday communication and within complex philosophical contexts. Students develop critical thinking skills through the rigorous analysis of arguments, conceptual clarity, and the capacity to evaluate different theories about meaning and inference. The programme also emphasizes the importance of philosophical methodology, encouraging students to approach problems systematically and critically. Combining theoretical coursework with relevant practical applications, students who graduate from this programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, research, linguistics, artificial intelligence, or related fields that require expert knowledge of language and logic. Studying at Radboud University provides access to a vibrant academic community, renowned faculty, and excellent facilities designed to foster intellectual growth and lively discussion. Graduates leave the programme with a solid foundation in contemporary debates, advanced analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the philosophical and logical principles that underpin language. This programme is ideal for students passionate about understanding the fundamental aspects of human communication and reasoning, and who wish to explore how language shapes our perception of the world.

The Philosophy of Language and Logic program at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental philosophical questions related to language, meaning, and reasoning. This interdisciplinary program combines the insights of philosophy, linguistics, and formal logic to examine how language shapes our understanding of reality and informs our logical processes. Throughout the course, students will engage with core topics such as semantics, syntax, and pragmatics, gaining an understanding of how meaning is constructed and interpreted in natural language. They will study formal logical systems, including propositional and predicate logic, to develop the skills necessary for rigorous reasoning and argumentation. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, encouraging students to scrutinize linguistic expressions, logical structures, and their philosophical implications.

Students will also explore philosophical theories concerning reference, truth, and the nature of linguistic meaning. This includes studying seminal texts from philosophers such as Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, and contemporary thinkers, which provide foundational perspectives on language and logic. Practical applications of these theories are analyzed through topics like the philosophy of language in communication, challenges posed by ambiguity and vagueness, and issues in translation and meaning in multilingual contexts. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical reasoning skills, preparing students for advanced research or careers in academia, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and related fields.

Interactive seminars, hands-on logical problem-solving, and critical discussions form an integral part of the learning process. Students are encouraged to develop their own philosophical arguments and to critically evaluate the arguments of others. The program also offers opportunities for research, project work, and collaborative learning, fostering a deep understanding of complex conceptual issues. Graduates of the Philosophy of Language and Logic program will possess a nuanced understanding of how language functions and how logical systems underpin rational thought, equipping them with the analytical tools necessary to address fundamental questions about communication, knowledge, and reality.

A completed Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or in a related discipline (in the latter case, students must have acquired at least 60 EC in Philosophical disciplines).

The applicant must have a degree with merit or distinction or equivalent. Meaning: a student’s weighted grade-point average in philosophy in the 2nd and 3rd year of their Bachelor's programme must be the equivalent of 7.5 or more (on the Dutch scale of 10).
On the page "Conversions of international grades" you will find an indication of what the equivalent of a Dutch 7.5 or 8 might be in the country where you obtained your Bachelor’s degree.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Master's degree must either have obtained a higher diploma from an English-teaching institution or be in possession of one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL score of ≥577 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Highly motivated

An applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Examination Board that they have serious research interests and skills. Applicant must write a motivation letter and send a writing sample which can help evaluate their research and writing skills.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Philosophy of Language and Logic program at Radboud University offers students an in-depth understanding of the fundamental questions about language, meaning, and reasoning. This program investigates how language functions in conveying meaning and how logical principles underpin rational discourse. Students are introduced to various theories of semantics, pragmatics, and formal logic, enabling them to analyze and interpret natural language expressions rigorously. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates to engage with complex philosophical and linguistic problems. Throughout the course, students examine topics such as the nature of truth, reference, and ambiguity, as well as the principles of logical inference and argumentation. The program also explores the relationship between language and cognition and assesses the implications of linguistic theories for artificial intelligence and computational linguistics.

Students have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that deepen their understanding of both philosophical issues and logical frameworks. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, or fields that require precise analytical and critical skills, such as linguistics, cognitive science, or computer science. The faculty members are recognized experts in their respective fields, providing mentorship and guidance to foster students’ academic and professional development. The program's interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates will be well-equipped to address complex questions in the philosophy of language and logic, contributing to advancements in both theory and practical applications. The university’s strong international environment offers multicultural perspectives and networking opportunities through collaborations and conferences. Overall, the Philosophy of Language and Logic program at Radboud University is a rigorous and stimulating educational experience designed to cultivate analytical skills, philosophical insight, and research competence for students passionate about understanding the fundamental structures of language and reasoning.