This seminar applies classic philosophical questions to current findings in Psychology and the neurosciences: How (ir)rational are we? How can cognition, emotion, bias and consciousness be defined? How can the relationship between these faculties/mechanisms be determined? We will analyse psychological explanations, theories of representation and possible biological foundations of the mind. Students will gain a contemporary overview of key debates in the philosophy of mind and Psychology, and learn to critically integrate empirical findings into philosophical inquiries.

- What is science?

- Scientific inference

- Scientific explanation

- Realism and anti-realism

- Scientific change and scientific revolutions

- Philosophical problems in biology and the life sciences

- Science and values

In this seminar, we will examine various forms of scientific scepticism and science denial. A key focus will be on ‘scepticism’ that deliberately sows doubt in order to further political or economic interests. Examples range from the organised downplaying of the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, through the systematic questioning of vaccine safety, to the tobacco industry’s historical denial of the health risks of smoking. We will analyse, from a philosophical perspective, the key patterns of such arguments, such as the overemphasis on uncertainties, the selective use of evidence, the artificial creation of controversies, or the discrediting of experts.

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In this seminar, we will first familiarise ourselves with key biographical milestones in Foucault’s life and with the fundamental questions and themes of his work. We shall then focus on his writings and lectures on Philosophy as self-care, as a practice of shaping one’s life in relation to oneself and others, and as the courage to speak the truth (parrhesia). Through our joint readings and analyses of the texts, we will be able to philosophise not about but with Foucault, thereby following his conception of Philosophy as an activity – and taking up his ideas to think further. In our discussions, we will explore the relevance of Foucault’s thinking for a philosophical way of life today.

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Bioethics focuses its ethical reflection on the interaction between humans and the natural world.  Its scope of inquiry ranges from how humans interact with nature – for example, the use of green genetic engineering and individual responsibility regarding food choices – to the discussion of the humane treatment of farm animals and laboratory animals in the food industry or in scientific research.

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Are we permitted to breed, keep and kill animals for our own consumption? Is keeping animals in zoos – whether for educational purposes or to protect endangered species – still appropriate in this day and age? Are animal experiments indispensable for the development of medicines and cosmetics? Does so-called ‘nature conservation’ justify the hunting of wild animals?

These and similar questions lie at the heart of the practical issues in animal ethics and will, in part, be addressed and discussed in this seminar.

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The ‘Computer Science and Society’ module is an interdisciplinary course format designed to develop fundamental argumentation skills, an awareness of socially relevant issues in Computer Science (e.g. regarding the use of AI or data protection) and ethical concepts and skills relevant to this field (autonomy, security, responsibility, etc., balancing values, justifying ethical assumptions, etc.) are learnt and actively practised.

Although he left no written works of his own, Socrates is regarded as the forefather of Western Philosophy and one of the most important pioneers of critical, scientific thought. The written accounts of his pupils and other contemporaries shed light on this. How should these accounts be assessed, particularly those of his pupil Plato, who not only recorded Socrates’ dialogues but also conveyed his own philosophical concepts through the words of his teacher? What is Socratic, and what is Platonic? How did Socrates philosophise – specifically, what was the method of ‘midwifery’ or maieutics? What topics did he discuss with others? What moral, ethical and ontological questions do his teachings raise, which were then vigorously debated by Plato, Aristotle and others? And what significance does the master of dialogue hold today in Philosophy and other practices of dialogue?

Politics shapes our everyday lives in all its various facets. But what do we mean when we use the term ‘politics’? What concepts, functions and so on do we associate with the phenomenon(s) of the political?

One key characteristic of politics lies, amongst other things, in the formation of communities, their structures and rules; to put it in modern terms: in the constitution of (political) societies. Two key philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries helped shape our understanding of community, society and politics, which remains fundamental to this day: Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. To put it in systematic terms: an appropriate understanding of modernity and the present can be gained, amongst other things, from the history of ideas: history is the present.

Through analyses and discussions of key political-philosophical positions held by both authors, the seminar aims not only to impart knowledge of the history of ideas, but also to facilitate a deeper understanding of current issues and challenges in political philosophy and political practice.

No recommended previous knowledge of philosophy is expected of participants; however, in the interests of active participation, students are expected to deliver a presentation. The seminar materials will be made available to participants in digital form.