Public debates about climate change have brought the relevance of the
sciences to contemporary societies back to the fore. And while the
sciences had frequently been critiqued on issues such as biologism,
environmental policy or technocracy by liberals in the late 20th
century, the relevance of scientific knowledge to democracy is
presently stressed again. But what has been conceived of as “scientific”
(broadly construed, as in Wissenschaften) within academia and
beyond in the last century? This seminar analyzes this and related
issues historically by introducing different conceptions on the
relationship of science as an institution to society and the state,
ranging from autonomy to politicization (e.g., J.D. Bernal, L. Fleck, K.
Mannheim, R. Merton, M. Polanyi). We will also explore conceptions of
the scientists’ role in between disinterested professional, citizen,
activist or entrepreneur (e.g., M. Weber, S. Shapin, N. Oreskes),
thereby discussing current issues such as climate science, genetics/race
or commercialization. In addition to asking what informed concept of
knowledge we can forge for current debates, we will also ask for the
place of a history of science/knowledge within the humanities. While
discussions will be held in English, the willingness to engage with
German language texts is expected as well. No prior experience in the
field is required; beginners and/or participants from other areas are
welcome!
- Course owner: Mathias Grote
- Course owner: Katharina Hillermann