Dogwhistles, Philosophy of Language and Political Manipulation

The Department of Philosophy invites all to join a special public lecture by Professor Jennifer Saul from the University of Sheffield, UK.

"Old stock Canadian" has been said to be a dogwhistle: a phrase that's meant to allow a politician to communicate something problematic in such a way as to avoid alienating potential audiences. Dog whistling is widely used in political campaigning, especially to communicate about race. Professor Saul’s paper explores the challenges that dogwhistles pose for democracy, but also for standard ways of approaching philosophy of language.

About Jennifer Saul

Jennifer Saul is a leading international figure in both philosophy of language and feminist philosophy. She is frequently sought out by the press as a commentator on controversial issues because of her ability to express level-headed opinions in a clear and accessible way. Her recent work, including in her latest book, Lying, Misleading and What is Said: An Exploration in Philosophy of Language and in Ethics (Oxford, 2012), shows that we can learn important lessons about ethical and political issues by paying careful attention to how communication works. She often makes her points through the use of fascinating real world examples, often involving people’s attempts to mislead without lying. Such work, she says, “feeds her lifelong obsession with political scandals.” By the time she’s done, her audiences seldom think about things in quite the same way they did before.

Saul received the 2011 Distinguished Woman Philosopher Award from the Society for Women in Philosophy, was Director of the Implicit Bias in Philosophy Project, which attracted participants from around the world, and was Head of the Philosophy Department at Sheffield from 2011-15. 

RSVP is recommended to Mary Synnott. A reception will follow the lecture in the Fireplace Lounge, LHI.

This public lecture is made possible by a generous gift from the estate of Dr. Brian F. Rudrick.