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Theory and Practice: System Theory and Utopian Thinking
Theorie und Praxis: Systemtheorie und utopisches Denken
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:42:25
Abstract
FS20: Colloquium on epistemological and action theory aspects of system theory by Niklas Luhmann and subject philosophies, such as the judgment of Immanuel Kant.Colloquia on epistemic basic research of communication / media (film, television) on the basis of reading / discussion of historical and contemporary philosophical, cultural scientific and sociological texts.
Objective
The students gain insight into the spectrum of epistemological and perceptual theories, learn to read them and analyze and critique their respective requirements. From this work an object relationship model is developing in progress, which serves self-examination in the design process as well as the evaluation of architectural situations in general and in particular. The writing of "scientific diaries" in which the contents of the colloquium are combined with the everyday experience of the students in free form, trains the concentrated result-oriented thinking in general, as well as in architectural situations.The special form of the writing of the "scientific diary" leads abstract Theory together with the experience of the students and make the knowledge creatively available in their own way.
Content
FS20: Introduction to Systems Theory. "The lack of judgment is actually what is called stupidity." (Kant, K.d.r.V., B 173). On the positive side, judgment is a prerequisite for utopian thinking. By contrast, systems are characterized by proprietary logics that have a conservative / system-preserving effect. Text passages by Aristoteles, Niklas Luhmann, Greta Thunberg and others are discussed and ask the question: "How do virtual futures affect the space for possibilities today?" It is also about the anthropocene discourse. In general: Philosophical exercises on subject / object relationships in general and in architectural situations in particular with special consideration of their mediation through time-based media. The two human fortune theory as cognition and practice as action spring from both original intentionality that controls all consciousness of the world. Our world relationship is intentional. Architectural situations in general and in particular are characterized by their intentionality, both for their planners and their users. Intentions and authorship in a complex, relational architectural and urban reality are examined and productively criticized with the help of knowledge from the reading of philosophical, cultural scientific and sociological texts. In the discussion of texts, concepts are developed as tools for the analysis of architectural situations. The epistemological and action-theoretical insights are used for the design work with time-based media such as film and television and their reflection. In the "scientific diaries", the theoretical insights from the colloquium are related to students' own everyday experiences and reviewed.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand out at the first meeting.
Literature
As part of the script — hand-out at the first meeting.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Theorie und Praxis: Systemtheorie und utopisches Denken
Die Lehrveranstaltung findet in einzelnen Blöcken statt (s. Raumreservationen!).
Bemerkung: Der zusätzliche persönliche Arbeitsaufwand (ausserhalb der Lehrveranstaltung) beträgt ca. 20 Arbeitsstunden!
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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.)
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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.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the same course again. All these courses are listed under the category “Typ A”, this means, every student can enroll in these courses.)
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