VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Introduction to Philosophy: Prophets, Judges, Fools, and Healers
Einführung in die Philosophie: Propheten, Richter, Narren, Ärzte
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:51
Abstract
This lecture gives an overview of forms of philosophizing for students of the natural sciences and engineering. It is at the same time an introduction to philosophy for beginners of this subjects.
Objective
Students of the natural sciences and technology will be given an overview of the different forms of philosophizing. Beginners of this subject will receive a general introduction to philosophy. In order to acquire credit points, a critical summary of one lesson of choice must be submitted (about 5-7 pages).
Content
Philosophy is done in different forms: as a diagnosis of a time, from which one can develop a prognosis, as an evaluation of action and thinking, and as a commentary of a spectator, who detects contradictions and and tries to give a therapy to human acting and thinking. By looking at texts from Plato, Kant, Morus, Nietzsche, Carnap, Wittgenstein and others the course will give an introduction into philosophical thinking in general.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Das Skript der Vorlesung ist unter der folgenden internetadresse zu finden:www.phil.ethz.ch/fileadmin/phil/files/SkriptEinfuehrung.pdf
Literature
Michael Hampe, Propheten, Richter, Ärzte, Narren: Eine Typologie von Philosophen und Intellektuellen, in: Martin Carrier und Johannes Roggenhofer (Hg.) Wandel oder Niedergang? Die Rolle der Intellekturelln in der Wissengesellschaft, Tranbscript Verlag, Münster 2007
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Einführung in die Philosophie: Propheten, Richter, Narren, Ärzte
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
GESS Science in Perspective (Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses. Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
-
Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
-
-
-
-
Doctoral Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )