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521042-HS2026-0-Seminar mini: Philosophy, Science and Activism (th, wp, pr, pp)





Root number 521042
Semester HS2026
Type of course Seminar
Allocation to subject Philosophy
Type of exam not defined
Title Seminar mini: Philosophy, Science and Activism (th, wp, pr, pp)
Description Many results of research in philosophy and the sciences have strong implications for how we should live individually or act as a society. But there are clear misalignments between such requirements and the lived reality, as vividly shown by the manifest lack of action in face of the current environmental crisis. This raises the question of whether philosophers and scientists have an obligation to actively support or promote changes in individual or collective behaviour, and if they do: what are the appropriate means? Should philosophers and scientists focus on informing and educating people? Or should they, for example, lobby institutions, join activist groups, or engage in civil disobedience? On the other hand, one might argue that activist engagements are not only not part of the philosophers’ and scientists’ task but actually lead to biased research. In the seminar, we will not only discuss these questions but also some preconditions for individual philosophers or scientists to be able to effectively engage in any form of activism. For example, does getting active require some specific virtues, such as some form of courage? Is it fostered or restricted by a certain self-understanding as a philosopher or scientists? What role does it play whether a challenge is framed in terms of making room for hope vs. in terms of acting in the face of impending doom?
Our discussions will be based on philosophical writings as well as opinion papers by scientists.
ILIAS-Link (Learning resource for course) Registrations are transmitted from CTS to ILIAS (no admission in ILIAS possible). ILIAS
Link to another web site
Lecturers Prof. Dr. Georg Brun, Institute of Philosophy ✉
Prof. Dr. Vincent Minh Duc Lam, Institute of Philosophy - Theoretical Philosophy ✉
ECTS 4
Recognition as optional course possible Yes
Grading passed/failed
 
Dates Tuesday 14:15-16:00 Weekly
 
Rooms Seminarraum F 003, Hörraumgebäude Unitobler
 
Students please consult the detailed view for complete information on dates, rooms and planned podcasts.