For several decades images play a crucial role in science and technology. In many cases they are a fundamental for the research process since they reveal phenomena that otherwise would remain inaccessible. Apart from these specific capacities of pictorial representation we will deal with the use of images in the public presentation and promotion of science of technology.

The lecture discusses recent developments in history of science, especially the turn from a history of ideas and concepts to a better understanding of the practical aspects of science and scientific research. Thus, we will focus on instrumental and experimental conditions of research as well as techniques of ordering and classifiying scientific objects.

In recent years the role of perception in scientific practice became more and more important. Images are everywhere and often they are used in a naive manner so that scientists already pleaded for a more critical use. The lecture acts on this suggestion and dicusses various historical techniques and instruments of image making as well their physiological, psychological and cultural conditions.

It is not by chance that Leonardo counts as an allround genius. Apart from his technical inventions he worked on mechanics, engineering and anatomy and created important works of painting and archicture. We will discuss this work in the historical context. Finally we will ask whether Leonardo’s crossing of art and science could serve as a model for contemporary research.

Since its early beginngs in the 19th century photography oscillated between scientific, technical, and artistic uses. We will discuss these various historical functions of the medium. Moreover, we will ask to what extent traditonal concepts of photography (evidence, objectivity, documentation) changed in the age of the digital image.

Since the 1920’s science fiction has become a specific genre. Works of literture like the novels of S. Lem or movies such as „The Matrix“ deal with future worlds but at the same time they refer to contemporary science: Science fiction mirrors, alienates or criticizes current scientific practice. The seminar will explore such relationships in works of literature and film.

Since the 1920’s science fiction has become a specific genre. Works of literture like the novels of S. Lem or movies such as „The Matrix“ deal with future worlds but at the same time they refer to contemporary science: Science fiction mirrors, alienates or criticizes current scientific practice. The seminar will explore such relationships in works of literature and film.

During the Renaissance, science and art were two associated activities. This constellation changed when science and art became two separated institutions and domains. Why did this shift happen? And what seperates (or links) both areas today? In this seminar, we will dicuss important historical and theoretical aspects of this complex and antagonistic constellation.

The public image of the scientist is nothing stable but depends on changes in society and scientific practice. We will discuss the different historical stages of this process: Which ideals, fears or comon places do occur in different representations of „the scientist“? Topics: scientists in portrait painting, caricature and literature, the „genius“ in documentary films and cinema.