Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

History and Philosophy of Knowledge Master Information
Basic Courses
Seminars
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
701-0019-00LReadings in Environmental Thinking Information
Does not take place this semester.
W3 credits2SJ. Ghazoul
AbstractThis course introduces students to foundational texts that led to the emergence of the environment as a subject of scientific importance, and shaped its relevance to society. Above all, the course seeks to give confidence and raise enthusiasm among students to read more widely around the broad subject of environmental sciences and management both during the course and beyond.
ObjectiveThe course will provide students with opportunities to read, discuss, evaluate and interpret key texts that have shaped the environmental movement and, more specifically, the environmental sciences. Students will gain familiarity with the foundational texts, but also understand the historical context within which their academic and future professional work is based. More directly, the course will encourage debate and discussion of each text that is studied, from both the original context as well as the modern context. In so doing students will be forced to consider and justify the current societal relevance of their work.
ContentThe course will be run as a ‘book reading club’. The first session will provide a short introduction as to how to explore a particular text (that is not a scientific paper) to identify the key points for discussion.

Thereafter, in each week a text (typically a chapter from a book or a paper) considered to be seminal or foundational will be assigned by a course lecturer. The lecturer will introduce the selected text with a brief background of the historical and cultural context in which it was written, with some additional biographical information about the author. He/she will also briefly explain the justification for selecting the particular text.

The students will read the text, with two to four students (depending on class size) being assigned to present it at the next session. Presentation of the text requires the students to prepare by, for example:
• identifying the key points made within the text
• identifying issues of particular personal interest and resonance
• considering the impact of the text at the time of publication, and its importance now
• evaluating the text from the perspective of our current societal and environmental position

Such preparation would be supported by a mid-week ‘tutorial’ discussion (about 1 hour) with the assigning lecturer.

These students will then present the text (for about 15 minutes) to the rest of the class during the scheduled class session, with the lecturer facilitating the subsequent class discussion (about 45 minutes). Towards the end of the session the presenting students will summarise the emerging points (5 minutes) and the lecturer will finish with a brief discussion of how valuable and interesting the text was (10 minutes). In the remaining 15 minutes the next text will be presented by the assigning lecturer for the following week.
LiteratureThe specific texts selected for discussion will vary, but examples include:
Leopold (1949) A Sand County Almanach
Carson (1962) Silent Spring
Egli, E. (1970) Natur in Not. Gefahren der Zivilisationslandschaft
Lovelock (1979) Gaia: A new look at life on Earth
Naess (1973) The Shallow and the Deep.
Roderick F. Nash (1989) The Rights of Nature
Jared Diamond (2005) Collapse
Robert Macfarlane (2007) The Wild Places

Discussions might also encompass films or other forms of media and communication about nature.
851-0144-20LPhilosophical Aspects of Quantum Physics
Particularly suitable for students of D-CHAB, D-PHYS
W3 credits2SR. Renner
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to philosophical issues about quantum physics. In particular, we will examine key concepts (such as locality and time) and different interpretations of quantum mechanics (such as the many-worlds interpretation).
ObjectiveBy the end of the course students are able to describe and compare different interpretations of quantum mechanics. They have the necessary background to identify and examine features and problems of interpretations and, more generally, of key concepts of quantum physics, such as the transition between quantum and classical systems.

The course is part of ETH's "Critical Thinking"-Initiative. It provides students an opportunity to see how established knowledge can be challenged. Giving a presentation and actively participating in discussions (both verbally and in writing) is key to a successful completion of the course.
851-0101-81LScience, Politics, Ideology: Mapping a Conflict Zone Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits2SM. Wulz
AbstractAs an 'objective' search for knowledge, science seems to be in sharp contrast to ideology. Or can we also find ideological forms of science – thus scientific knowledge under ideological conditions? Is 'ideology', in this case, a form of knowledge? And what is its role with regard to other forms of scientific knowledge?
ObjectiveIn the course, we will look at case studies and theoretical accounts in order to examine the conflict zone between science and ideology. We will develop methods in order to understand in which way 'ideological knowledge' can be analyzed in relation to science.
ContentThe relation of science and ideology has a long and controversial history. And even today this relation seems to be at stake, for example, when critics denounce climate change as an "ideological construct". In the course, we will look at case studies and in this way explore the conflict zone between ideological and scientific forms of knowledge. Based on theoretical approaches we will, moreover, develop methods in order to analyze the characteristics of ideological knowledge in relation to science.
851-0101-90LAesthetics: On the History and Theory of BeautyW3 credits2SA. Kilcher
AbstractThe meaning of the "beautiful" seems hard to pin down. Yet intersubjective and objective criteria of the beautiful nevertheless exist. The foundation of aesthetics as a "science" of the beautiful based on sensuous experience temporarily suspended this tension. Since modernity, the question of the beautiful has been ever more open. We shall approach this question theoretically and historically.
ObjectiveThe meaning of the "beautiful" seems hard to define. At first glance, it rather constitutes a merely subjective sensation. Yet, on the other hand, intersubjective, collective and cultural ideas, or even objective criteria of the beautiful exist. Since antiquity, this irresolvable tension has characterized the discourse on the beautiful in the realms of art and philosophy. With the foundation of "aesthetics" in the 18th century, however, this debate was significantly altered. This new "science" aimed at a scientific investigation of the beautiful by situating sensuous impression above logic. While art had been hitherto understood as a learnable technique, it now appears as a sensuous and therefore subjective realization. The rejection of this optimism marks the turn to modernity that defined itself through a notion of art transcending the beautiful. Ever since, the question as to the meaning of the beautiful has been continuously open for debate. In the course of this seminar, we shall approach this question from a historical as well as theoretical perspective.
851-0101-77LScience and the State Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits2SR. Wagner
AbstractThis course will reflect on historical and contemporary relations between science and the state. Through various case studies, we will inquire how these two institutions shaped each other. The case studies will cover various scientific disciplines.
ObjectiveTo understand how science helped form the state apparatus, and how politics helped shape science; evaluate the image of science as three thinking vs. servant of the state; analyze the role of science in generating political authority and political reasoning; analyze how political ideals are expressed in science.
851-0101-48LInfrastructural Imaginaries in the History of Knowledge and TechnologyW3 credits2SD. F. Zetti, J. Bruder
AbstractIn the second half of the 20th century, infrastructures have dramatically changed. Emerging digital societies connected computers, users, programs and data. In the 21st century infrastructures are increasingly overlapping, linked by digital technologies of transmission and storage. The lecture offers problem oriented insights into this sociotechnical process of translation.
ObjectiveIn the second half of the 20th century, infrastructures have dramatically changed. Emerging digital societies connected computers, users, programs and data. In the 21st century infrastructures are increasingly overlapping, linked by digital technologies of transmission and storage. The lecture offers problem oriented insights into this sociotechnical process of translation.
ContentInfrastrukturen halten Güter und Personen in Bewegung. Sie umfassen dabei Kanäle als Shortcuts der Weltmeere ebenso wie klimatisch kühl verankerte Rechenzentren. Öl, Wasser, Strom, Züge, Autos, Containerschiffe, Pendler, Urlauber, Diplomaten, Daten und intelligente Maschinen: Im Seminar werden infrastrukturelle Prozesse und Projekte, Figuren und Objekte auf kultur-, technik- und wissenschaftshistorische Dimensionen befragt.
Die im Seminar behandelten Beispiele stammen aus dem Zeitraum des 19. bis 21. Jahrhunderts. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Jahren ab 1960, als im Entstehungskontext digitaler Gesellschaften die Verbindung von Rechnern, NutzerInnen, Programmen und Daten imaginiert und produktiv wurde. Im 21. Jahrhundert verbinden Techniken des Übertragens und Speicherns Infrastrukturen, die sich zunehmend überlappen.
851-0101-76LThe Animals We Know Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W2 credits1ST. Novick
AbstractThis course explores the role of animal lives and bodies in the historical attempts to understand nature and the world. We will review examples such as the laboratory, the natural history museum, and the archeological site. Focusing on Israel/Palestine and the broader Middle East, we will consider animals as tools, objects of learning, and resources in scientific work and technological projects.
ObjectiveBy examining the place of animals in different cosmologies, in the construction of technological systems and environments, as well as their role in defining the contours of human, we will try to answer the question: What is the relation between animals and knowledge?
ContentThis course explores the role of animal lives and bodies in the historical attempts to understand nature and the world. We will review examples such as the laboratory, the natural history museum, and the archeological site. Focusing on Israel/Palestine and the broader Middle East, we will consider animals as tools, objects of learning, and resources in scientific work and technological projects.
851-0101-78LReason and the Public Sphere - the Legacy of the Enlightenment Restricted registration - show details W3 credits2SU. J. Wenzel
AbstractImmanuel Kant wrote in 1784 that the Enlightenment required nothing more than the freedom «to make public use of one's reason in all its forms». In discussing Kant's philosophy, the seminar will examine the question of how «close» the (conceptual) relationship between reason and the public sphere is.
ObjectiveReconstructing and discussing Kant's philosophical approaches to the relationship between reason and the public sphere from his pertinent writings and developping criteria for assessing to what extent the concepts of reason and the public sphere are mutually interdependent.
ContentIn his much quoted treatise «Was ist Aufklärung?» («What is Enlightenment?»), Immanuel Kant wrote in 1784 that the Enlightenment required nothing more than the freedom «to make public use of one's reason in all its forms». According to Kant, reason consists in the «consenting/attuning of free citizens» and only recognizes, «was ihre freie und öffentliche Prüfung hat aushalten können» (Kritik der reinen Vernunft, B 766f. und A XI Anm.).

In discussing Kant's philosophy, the seminar will examine the question of how «close» the (conceptual) relationship between reason and the public sphere is. Does reason need the public sphere in order to be reason? Is the public sphere a necessary condition for reason? But also in the reverse perspective one could ask: Does the public sphere only correspond to its concept if the communication of which it is the medium follows «reasonable rules»? What can «consenting of free citizens» mean outside the political sphere, in science and philosophy? Does the idea of a Republic of Letters provide the model for the enlightening concept of the public sphere or «the public»? Following the close reading of Kant which forms the main focus, pertinent texts by Dewey, Heidegger and Habermas, among others, will be discussed.
LiteratureEinschlägige Kapitel und Passagen aus Immanuel Kants Werken, insbesondere:
- Träume eines Geistersehers, erläutert durch die Träume der Metaphysik (1766)
- Kritik der reinen Vernunft (1781/1787)
- Beantwortung der Frage: Was ist Aufklärung (1784)
- Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten (1785)
- Kritik der praktischen Vernunft (1788)
- Kritik der Urteilskraft (1790)
- Zum Ewigen Frieden (1795/1796)
- Die Metaphysik der Sitten (1797)
- Der Streit der Fakultäten (1798)
851-0145-08LFrom Biographies of Scientific Objects to Global Narratives in Swiss Museums Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.
W3 credits2ST. Bartoletti
AbstractThis seminar will explore the contemporary trend in global narratives in the history of knowledge and its relation to material culture. The focus will be placed on scientific objects and their “biographies” as a means for constructing the history of science. It involves the understanding of knowledge networks and the establishment of museums and collections as “cathedrals of science.”
ObjectiveThe seminar on biographies of scientific objects aims to research critically the centre-periphery dynamics in the history of knowledge from perspectives related to the materiality turn and questions of human-non-human agencies. The course proposes methodologically to explore the “territory”, visiting Swiss museums, collections and storage facilities where this issue can be examined today.
ContentInterest in a global understanding of historic processes has led to a diverse number of investigations and theoretical frameworks that continue to be redefined extensively. The global history approach of this seminar follows this growing trend, adding a Swiss case to the global history of science. In general terms, a global history approach entails an explanation of structured transformations on a global level, transcending national perspectives and “decentralizing” world history. It differs from the older tradition of world history and its narratives of civilization because its focus is not on comparisons or diffusionist explanations, but rather “entanglements”, “networks”, “circulation” and “flows,” aiming to foster interactions across borders. The historiography of science tends to be conceived as a “Global History of Science” in order to include a non-diffusionist narrative of knowledge production and to integrate indigenous epistemologies. In this regard, the Swiss museums as “cathedrals of science” are representative of a broader trans-imperial institutionalization of science in Europe and thus is an interesting object of study but also quite explored critically in Swiss historiography. Recently, debates about the European construction of natural and ethnological collections and epistemic colonization through the trafficking of objects, fossils and bones for their heritage have acquired greater visibility. Moreover, the research of the establishment of Swiss museums intersects adequately with the recent school of studies on “Colonial Switzerland”. This relatively new body of work mainly deconstructs the idea of Swiss “innocence” in colonial territories, reinserting Switzerland in post-colonial studies debates.

A seminar in the research of “biographies” of scientific objects and global narratives in Swiss museums will focus on archeological pieces, fossils, substances, animals among others and their “biographies” as a means for constructing the history of knowledge. This approach, which has been done considerably in recent years, brings with it new theoretical and methodological frameworks, especially related to the materiality turn and questions of human-non-human agencies. Thus, biographies of scientific objects allow us to research epistemic and post-colonial entanglements and the centre-periphery dynamics in the history of knowledge from other perspectives. The seminar proposes methodologically to visit Swiss laboratories, museums, collections and storage facilities and thus the examination will be based on a termpaper related to the history of these collections and museums.
851-0158-17LPractical Alchemy, 1500-1700 Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits2ST. Asmussen
AbstractAlchemy in the early modern period encompassed much more than the desire for gold. The seminar explores the topic of alchemy from its practical side. It addresses the knowledge of natural substances and their properties. Our main focus is directed to questions of actors, places and practices of alchemical knowledge as well as the economic promises associated with these practices.
ObjectiveThe seminar provides insight into the broad spectrum of alchemical literature from about 1500-1750. Further the important contribution of vernacular and craft knowledge to the development of empirical sciences will be discussed. Participants are expected to read original sources in German, French and English.
ContentThroughout the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period alchemy meant both natural philosophy and practical knowledge of natural substances and their properties. Some alchemists turned more to the philosophical and mystical side, others to the practical, and again others combined both. From the 16th century practical alchemy received particular attention at the courts and in the major European trading cities. This interest in alchemy became evident on the book market as well. Books of mining and metallurgy, books for smelting, pigment production or recipe books and “Kräuterbücher” were widely spread. Sometimes they underwent several editions. In addition to the printed books, a large number of manuscripts and recipe collections circulated at courts and in urban households. In the seminar we will turn towards the mysterious figure of the alchemist and shed light on the complex questions of who he was and what it meant to be an alchemist. Further we examine the broad spectrum of alchemical knowledge and its various domains of application. Next to this interest in the forms of alchemical epistemology we shed light on the business of alchemy: who commissioned alchemical knowledge? What kind of promises and desires motivated alchemical contracts and what risks were involved.
851-0101-64LPhilosophy of Algorithms Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 40.
W3 credits2SN. El Kassar
AbstractIn this seminar we will discuss philosophical questions surrounding algorithms, in particular the Epistemology of Algorithms – e.g. Do algorithms produce knowledge? Do they provide reasons? – and the Ethics of Algorithms– e.g. Can algorithms be just or unjust? Can machine learning be moral?
Objective- Reflect the relationship between algorithms and human beings by means of philosophical questions and theories
- Reflect scientific and everyday practices via philosophical approaches
- Be able to reconstruct arguments from a scientific or philosophical text
- Be able to criticize and discuss arguments in a sound way
- Write short texts addressing philosophical questions
ContentIn this seminar we will discuss philosophical questions surrounding algorithms, in particular the Epistemology of Algorithms – e.g. Do algorithms produce knowledge? Do they provide reasons? – and the Ethics of Algorithms– e.g. Can algorithms be just or unjust? Can machine learning be moral?
851-0101-66LThe History of the BookW3 credits2SM. Hagner
AbstractBook print belongs to the most successful inventions in the history of mankind - it was especially important for the advancement of the sciences. Since 50 years, however, there is an ongoing talk about the end of book culture, and yet, in the 21st century the book proves to be remarkably robust. What is the reason for that?
ObjectiveIn this seminar, we will discuss selected episodes of the history of the book from Gutenberg to the present and analyse their relevance for our culture.
ContentBook print belongs to the most successful inventions in the history of mankind - it was especially important for the advancement of the sciences. Since 50 years, however, there is an ongoing talk about the end of book culture. In this seminar, we will discuss selected episodes of the history of the book from Gutenberg to the present and analyse their relevance for our culture.
851-0101-73LHomo Faber. The Engineer in the Course of Time Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 35.
W3 credits2SK. Liggieri
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.
851-0101-82LScience and the New Right (Completion)W3 credits2SM. Wulz, N. Guettler, M. Stadler, J. Steuwer
AbstractIn working collectively toward a publication, the seminar deals with a significant topic in the history of science: Science and the New Right. Students will learn to integrate skills in research, writing and science communication. A continuation of FS 2019, the block course will give students the opportunity to finalize their contributions to the publication.
ObjectiveStudents will learn to integrate skills in research, writing and science communication.
ContentThe New Right is inescapable – both, politically and as a media phenomenon. It also tends to come across as broadly antiscientific (climate denial, “fake news”, conspiracy theories, etc). And yet, as we’ll explore in this seminar, historically speaking ‘real’ science did play a significant role in the rise of New Right.
The seminar “Science And The New Right (Completion) will function as a workshop for research and writing. This block course continues the group work begun in FS 2019 (Enrolment in the precursor seminar (FS 2019) is mandatory!). Besides regular group-meetings and feedback-sessions, the block course focuses on the final editorial steps and completion of the publication. As before, participants will be expected to work independently, engage with the topic, and bring with them an interest in writing and the design of scientific publications.
851-0101-69LNature Writing Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits2SM. Hampe
AbstractNature Writing is a form of literature that relates to facts of nature and man´s relation to it, but does not pursue explanatory goals. It started in the 19th century and had an important revival in the last decade in context with the ecological crisis.
ObjectiveStudents should get to know the most important text from the tradition of Nature Writing and be able to analyse them and understand their historical context.
ContentNature Writing is a form of literature that relates to facts of nature and man´s relation to it, but does not pursue explanatory goals. It started in the 19th century and had an important revival in the last decade in context with the ecological crisis.
851-0101-70LThe Knowledge of Technology Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 30.
W3 credits2SM. Hampe, O. Del Fabbro
AbstractKnowledge of technology is often misunderstood as knowledge of an applied science. In this seminar we will read texts from the history of philosophy of technology in which the autonomy of technological knowledge is recognised and analysed.
ObjectiveKnowledge of fundamental texts of the philosophy of technology.
ContentKnowledge of technology is often misunderstood as knowledge of an applied science. In this seminar we will read texts from the history of philosophy of technology in which the autonomy of technological knowledge is recognised and analysed.
851-0101-83LFrom the Laboratoy to a Magazine - Becoming a Science Writer Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.
W3 credits2SW. Eilenberger
AbstractLearning how to write journalistic articles related to the sciences and humanities. Becoming familiar with essential techniques and genres of science writing and magazine journalism. Practicing the acquired skills by writing your own articles.
ObjectiveFirst steps into writing journalistic articles. Understanding the specific challenges and possibilities of science science. Understanding the importance of science writing for both society and the sciences.
ContentContent: Exercises for writing articles. Getting familiar with the conditions, possibilities and functions of science writing from the perspectives of cultural history, sociology and media studies. Scientific articles and conferences will serve as a base for the exercises. Participants will also learn how to offer and sell their articles to concrete magazines.
851-0101-24LNarrative Science - An Introduction Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Number of participants limited to 25.
W3 credits2S
AbstractThe seminar aims to provide an introduction to the fairly new research field of "narrative science" and explores the various roles that narratives take on within the research process.
ObjectiveStudents develop an understanding of the role of narratives in science and get to know the standard readings for the field "narrative science".
ContentIn the course of their activities, scientists often construct and rely upon narratives. For example: narratives involve ordering materials, an ordering that can be achieved in a variety of ways, be it visually, through diagrams, flowcharts, maps, and the like, or through prose. Or: narratives can also serve as a motivator to get scientists through the often boring and monotone parts of their work. In the seminar we learn what can be known by subjecting these uses of narratives, their authors, characters and events, to serious scrutiny in order to appreciate the logics and rationales by which scientists’ narratives work. The literature draws from fundamental theoretical readings as well as concrete case study papers.
851-0144-07LThe Infinite in Philosophy and in the Exact Sciences: Logic, Mathematics, Physics Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 40.

Particularly suitable for students of D-MATH, D-PHYS
W3 credits2SG. Sommaruga
AbstractOn the one hand, the topic of the infinite will be dealt with historically by discussing philosophical texts, by e.g., Kant, Bolzano and Cantor. On the other hand, the topic will be treated from a (non-historical) scientific point of view: the point of view of logic, mathematics, and physics.
ObjectiveTo get acquainted with different types of the infinite; to study what is intriguing or problematic about the infinite; to inquire whether these different types of the infinite have (important) features in common.
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