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851-0350-00L 3 Credits DS D-GESS

Do We Have a Free Will? Neuroscientific, Philosophical and Theological Perspectives (UZH)

Ist der Wille frei? Neurowissenschaftliche, philosophische und theologische Perspektiven (UZH)

No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH. UZH Module Code: 23SS007 Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:27

Abstract

The question of human free will is one of the big and much debated topics in anthropological thought past and present.

Objective

Some neuroscientists, for example, see human free will as an illusion, as all human action is, in their view, determined by neuronal events in the human brain. In a very different key, the question of human free will is debated in theological reflection. Martin Luther, for example, in his debate with Erasmus of Rotterdam denied a freedom of the human will as far as salvation is concerned. Another classical theological problem is how to situate human free will within the doctrine of divine providence: If God is omniscient and foresees everything, how can human beings be really free in their decisions? The course will first examine the controversial philosophical discussions provoked by neuroscientific interpretation of human free will. In a second step, the course will analyze exemplary classical and contemporary points of discussion in theological interpretation of the freedom of the will. Conceptual clarifications will, finally, allow to bring aspects of both fields of discussion into a fruitful dialogue.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Anmeldemodalitäten, Datum und Ort dieser Leistungskontrolle werden ausschliesslich von der UZH festgelegt.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Ist der Wille frei? Neurowissenschaftliche, philosophische und theologische Perspektiven (UZH)
  • Tue 10:15-12:00
  • Tue None-None
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.)