Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
History and Philosophy of Knowledge Master
Basic Courses
Seminars
851-0006-00L	Water in the Early Modern Period: A Material and Environmental History	W	3 credits	2S	T. Asmussen
Abstract	The seminar deals with questions of how water was perceived, used and appropriated in medieval and early modern societies. We examine water as a livelihood (drinking water, irrigation resource), energy source, transport medium, infrastructure and threat between 1400 and 1800.
Learning objective	The students acquire historical knowledge of how pre-modern societies appropriated the natural substance water and how they themselves were formed and changed by the interactions with the liquid element. Students are expected to read original German, French and English sources.
Content	The seminar examines the history of the substance and uses of water from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century. Using text and image sources, we will examine the physical, cultural, economic and scientific-technical implications of the relationship between man and water in plenary sessions and groups. We deal with (al-)chemical analyses of water in the context of medical treatises and spas, the expansion and challenges of the water infrastructure ( fountains, sewage canals, irrigation canals, inland waterways), the associated changes of landscapes as well as with water as a threat (floods).
851-0107-00L	Science and the Public: A Problem of Mediation that the Media Have to Solve?	W	3 credits	2S	U. J. Wenzel
Abstract	What can, what should, what do "laymen" want to know and understand from scientific findings? How and what is "conveyed" in reporting on science? Does science journalism have to follow scientific criteria? How do the natural sciences differ from the humanities and social sciences in terms of "comprehensibility" and public visibility?
Learning objective	Gaining insights into the relationship between the sciences, the public and the media, into their historical development and current problems - with particular reference to the "Wissenschaftsfeuilleton".
Content	The feuilleton of the «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung» of 27 June 2000 has gone down in the annals of recent media history. The last sequences of the fully mapped human genetic code were printed on six large-format pages: the letters A, G, C and T in various combinations and sequences - a «readable » but incomprehensible jumble of letters. What at the time was astounding journalistic coup and met with enthusiasm as well as head shaking can (also) be read as an allegory of the tense relationship between science and the public. What can, what should, what do «laymen» want to know and understand from scientific findings? What role do the media play, does science journalism play in this? How and what is «conveyed» in reporting on scientific findings? And does science journalism have to follow scientific criteria in such reporting? How do the natural sciences, medicine and technology differ from the humanities and social sciences in terms of «comprehensibility» and public awareness? Are we really dealing with two diverging «science cultures» - and two different ways of presenting them in the media? These questions will be explored on some excursions into recent and also older media, scientific and cultural history.
851-0160-00L	Texts About Wisdom Number of participants limited to 30.	W	3 credits	2S	M. Hampe
Abstract	This seminar investigates texts that claim to be able to change the readers way of life in a decisive way, e.g. from the stoic tradition (Epictetus, Seneca), the enlightenment (Spinoza), and from the 19th century (Kierkegaard, Marx)
Learning objective	Acquiring of fundamental knowledge about the European literature on wisdom.
Content	This seminar investigates texts that claim to be able to change the readers way of life in a decisive way, e.g. from the stoic tradition (Epictetus, Seneca), the enlightenment (Spinoza), and from the 19th century (Kierkegaard, Marx)
862-0105-00L	New Tendencies in the History of Knowledge Master in Hystory and Philosophy of Knowledge-Students only.	W	3 credits	2S	M. Hagner
Abstract	Students are invited to collect new publications of interest (books, articles, essays, blogs, etc.) in the topic history and philosophy of knowledge and present them in the seminar for discussion.
Learning objective	It is about getting an overview of current interesting and relevant trends in the history and philosophy of knowledge.
Content	The content is based on the suggestions and ideas of the seminar participants.
851-0318-00L	Law and Literature	W	3 credits	2S	A. Kilcher
Abstract	Law and literature are in many ways connected. The law employs literary genres and partly embodies its humanistic potential, while literature addresses the connections between laws, norms and justice on many levels, including their enactment, philosophical justification, and societal critique. The course will explore this complex connection between law and literature both practically and theoretic
Learning objective	1) critical reflection on the historical differences in conceptualizing legality and justice in modernity as reflected in literary texts; 2) theoretical understanding of different models of legality and justice; 3) aesthetic and poetic aspects underpinning the concepts of justice and legality
Content	Literatur und Recht sind auf komplexe Weise aufeinander bezogen und können sich wechselseitig erhellen. Das Recht verwendet Verfahren der Literatur (etwa ihre rhetorischen, ästhetischen und poetologischen Darstellungs- und Überzeugungsmittel) und verkörpert Elemente ihres humanen Potenzials. Die Literatur wiederum thematisiert und reflektiert die Zusammenhänge von Recht, Norm und Gesetz auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen: erstens auf der Ebene praktischer Umsetzung, zweitens auf der Ebene philosophischer Begründung, drittens auf der Ebene der wissenschaftlichen und technischen Anwendung, viertens auf der Ebene gesellschaftlicher Kritik und utopischer Gegenmodelle von Gerechtigkeit, oder aber dystopischer Fälle von Ungerechtigkeit. Das Seminar untersucht diese komplexen Wechselwirkungen von Literatur und Recht sowohl theoretisch als auch an konkreten Beispielen aus der neueren deutschen und europäischen Literatur (im Drama wie in Prosa) von Goethe und Kleist bis hin zu Kafka und Dürrenmatt.
851-0280-00L	Beginnings	W	3 credits	2S	C. Jany
Abstract	"All beginnings are difficult,” goes the saying, “but without them there wouldn't be endings." However, what makes beginnings so difficult? What kind of action is that? Which knowledge does it presuppose? And what would a beginning say about the end? We will pursue these questions by reading sacred, philosophical, literary, and scientific texts that, each in its own way, make a beginning.
Learning objective	- thorough reading and critical analysis of the texts - reflections on the historical and epistemological function of fictional origins such as cosmological myths, foundationalist philosophy, and poetic incantations - rhetorical analysis of foundational acts carried out in thought and writing - introduction of the problem of justifying knowledge
851-0326-00L	Nationalism and Postnationalism in Modern Judaism: Historical Developments and Current Debates	W	2 credits	1S	C. Wiese
Abstract	Since the emergence of the Zionist movement in the 19th century multiple interpretations of the concept of nation and nationalism within Judaism have been discussed. The course introduces these debates and discusses the continuing historical and political discourse on Zionism, Post-Zionism and postnationalism.
Learning objective	1. To deepen the knowledge about inner-Jewish political debates about the goals and the nature of Jewish nationalism as well as alternative self-conceptions. 2. To gain insights into the polyphony of historical and political discourse. 3. To strengthen the ability to understand historical and contemporary texts within the political context of the respective time period.
851-0522-00L	Digital Statehood (1960-2000). Imaginaries, Experiences, Trading Zones Does not take place this semester.	W	3 credits	2S
Abstract	The seminar addresses the expectations, experiences and negotiations in which digital processes, legal regulations and administrative routines are to be harmonized in the Swiss Federal Administration (1960-2000).
Learning objective	Students should understand the interactions between technological processes, legal regulations and bureaucratic routines. In addition to reading research literature and conceptual work, the main focus is on studying relevant sources.
Content	Since the late 1950s, public administrations have been using computers to perform their tasks. Focusing on the use of computers in the Swiss federal administration, the seminar aims to identify how digital processes, legal regulations and administrative routines should be reconciled in public administrations. On the basis of IT projects of the Swiss Federal Administration, it will be investigated how computers were made usable and which options for action were opened up to the computer-supported federal state as a result. Last but not least, we want to ask how a (computer-) history of digital statehood can be written.
851-0090-00L	The Philosophy of Complex Systems	W	3 credits	2S	O. Del Fabbro
Abstract	Today complexity research has found an enormous expansiveness in heterogenous areas, such as physics, biology, medicine, urban complexity, environment sustainability, public policy, economics, sociology, education, computer science, robotics, AI, etc. Furthermore, we will look at historical advancements like cybernetics, and how complexity research influenced philosophical theories.
Learning objective	Students should learn about the different types of argumentative texts and scientific theories. They should learn to understand the descriptive and critical value of texts that operate at the boarder between philosophy and science.

Semester Report Course to be offered in autumn semester only
Semester Paper
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
862-0008-23L	Term Paper History of Technology (FS 2020) Term Paper in: History of Technology in Late Modernity II	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0009-22L	Term Paper in Science of Knowledge (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0010-22L	Term Paper in Theoretical Philosophy (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0011-21L	Term Paper in Practical Philosophy (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0012-22L	Term Paper in Literature and Culture (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0013-22L	Term Paper History of the Modern World (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
862-0015-03L	Term Paper in History and Philosophie of Mathematical Sciences (FS 2020)	W	5 credits	11A	Lecturers
Abstract	Term paper that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth, applying the fundamental knowledge they have acquired so far.
Learning objective	The development of a research question, the careful handling of the secondary literature and an increased source-critical competence form the learning objective.

Major Courses
Essays In each subject of the master reading lists are handed out. The books on these lists are the subject of the tutorials one has to attend with the teachers that are named in the Leitfaden. In three subjects essays are to be written about works on these lists.
Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
862-0021-01L	Essay on Readings in History of Technology (FS)	W	10 credits	21A	Lecturers
Abstract	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
Learning objective	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
862-0023-01L	Essay on Readings in Science Research (FS)	W	10 credits	21A	Lecturers
Abstract	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
Learning objective	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
862-0025-01L	Essay on Readings in Theoretical Philosophy (FS)	W	10 credits	21A	Lecturers
Abstract	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
Learning objective	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
862-0027-01L	Essay on Readings in Practical Philosophy (FS)	W	10 credits	21A	Lecturers
Abstract	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.
Learning objective	One-to-one supervisions form the basis for an essay covering the paradigmatic texts studied over several semesters. This essay should also take recent research into account. The instructor will work one-to-one with the student to hone the skills and fundamental topics that are relevant for the Master's thesis.

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