851-0101-73L  Homo Faber. The Engineer in the Course of Time

SemesterAutumn Semester 2019
LecturersK. Liggieri
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentNumber of participants limited to 35.


AbstractThe engineer is a central figure of modernity. Its vision unites "recognition" and "design" and is therefore an important point of reference for science, art and culture. Nevertheless, breaks can be seen in this figure. It is here that the changes in techniques, different images of people and anthropologies as well as political utopias can be read and determined.
ObjectiveThe aim of the seminar is to examine different images of engineers systematically (under the concept of homo faber) and historically. The different contexts and discourses (economy, politics, art) will be considered. Which time produces which "engineer image"? How do different technical practices determine the image of the homo faber?
ContentThe engineer is a central figure of modernity. Its vision unites "recognition" and "design" and is therefore an important point of reference for science, art and culture. Nevertheless, breaks can be seen in this figure. It is here that the changes in techniques, different images of people and anthropologies as well as political utopias can be read and determined. Particularly in the 20th century, the "engineer" developed into a problematic role model for a certain "type of person", who should actively change not only technology, but also society.