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Theory and Practice: Special Turn and Immaterial Space Joseph Beuys versus René Descartes
Theorie und Praxis: Special Turn und Immaterieller Raum. Joseph Beuys contra René Descartes
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:55:19
Abstract
Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene´ Descartes and the "understanding" in Beuys' sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial-theoretical and spatial-practical consequences. In dealing with this, the students work on their own position on spatial theory, whereby material and immaterial spatial aspects play a role.
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 "cientific diary" leads abstract theory together with the experience of the students and make the knowledge cratively available in their own way.
Content
Special turn and immaterial space. Joseph Beuys “how I explain art to the dead rabbit” versus Rene ‘Descartes“ I think therefore I am ”. Reflections and exercises on the aesthetics of the room. Both the rationalism of "radical doubt" in Rene 'Descartes, as also about "understanding" in the Beuysian sense of "standing somewhere else" have philosophical-aesthetic roots and spatial theory and practical consequences. In dispute a.o. with these opposing positions, the seminar participants worked on one own spatial theory position. Both material and intangible spatial aspects play a role.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand out at the first meeting.
Literature
Rene’Descartes, Meditations, Felix Meiner Verlag, Hamburg 2009; Volker Harland, What is Art? Workshop talk with Beuys, Urachhaus Verlag, Stuttgart 2001; Harlan, Rappmann, Schata, Soziale Plastik - Material zu Joseph Beuys, Achberger Verlag, Achberg 1984.
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: Special Turn und Immaterieller Raum. Joseph Beuys contra René Descartes
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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