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Pragmatism in Science, Technology and Society
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:40
Abstract
In this seminar, we will look at different theories in Pragmatism, used in realms such as philosophy of science and technology, social, educational and political sciences. Important topics will be the relationship between theory and practice, pluralism vs. reductionism, instrumentalism etc. We will read texts Peirce, Dewey, Holmes, Latour, Feyerabend, Poincaré etc.
Objective
Students should learn about the different types of argumentative texts and scientific theories. They should learn to understand the descriptive and critical value of texts that operate at the boarder between philosophy and science.
Content
In this seminar, we will look at different theories in Pragmatism, used in realms such as philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, social sciences, political sciences, law and educational sciences. Important topics will be the relationship between theory and practice in epistemology, pluralism vs. reductionism in ontology, instrumentalism in science, “learning by doing” in educational science, participation in political science etc. We will read texts by classical pragmatists such as C. S. Peirce, W. James, J. Dewey, O. W. Holmes and thinkers related to pragmatism such as A. N. Whitehead, G. H. Mead, B. Latour, P. Feyerabend, P. Duhem, H. Poincaré.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 35
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Pragmatism in Science, Technology and Society
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA 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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