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On Closure
Von Schlüssen und Enden
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:36
Abstract
All beginnings are difficult, the saying goes. But it is perhaps still more difficult to find an ending under the endless conditions of modernity. Not long ago, the stories of literature defined the closure of actions, while philosophical systems provided the certain rules for sensible conclusions and ends, not to mention religious myths and revelations. What remains of such knowledge today?
Objective
Reading theoretical and above all literary texts, we will first gather typical concepts, strategies, and representations of how things come to an end. We will then scrutinize this arsenal of "meaningful" ends and endings considering the conditions of modern life. To what extend does this older knowledge of endings live on as concerns both one's own biography and the aims and ends of science.
Content
Die Untersuchung von philosophischen und insbes. literarischen Schlüssen verspricht Einsichten in die allgemeinen Bauformen von Geschichten, Gedankengängen oder ganz allgemein Handlungen. Sie berührt also drei Grundvollzüge der menschlichen Kultur: das Erzählen, das Denken, das praktische Handeln. Auch die Naturwissenschaft und Technik sind auf diese kulturellen Grundvollzüge bezogen und bringen sie zur Anwendung. Insofern lädt das Seminar nicht zuletzt dazu ein, über den Wert und die Funktion von Zwecken, Schlüssen und Enden für das technisch-naturwissenschaftliche Wissen nachzudenken.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Von Schlüssen und Enden |
|
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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Doctoral Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )