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Rhetoric and Knowledge
Rhetorik und Wissen(schaft)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:45
Abstract
The relationship between rhetoric and science is complicated. Since its inception, rhetoric has been suspected of obscuring the facts that science elaborates. But how plausible is this juxtaposition? Doesn't science itself have to be rhetorical in order to be effective? Is rhetoric not itself technique, knowledge, and science? And does literature promise to resolve this opposition?
Objective
The seminar will explore these questions historically and systematically. To this end, we will examine various texts from science, literature, philosophy, and politics in terms of their rhetorical form and rhetorical knowledge. Rhetoric is thus understood on the one hand as a technique of representation that conveys and even produces knowledge, and on the other hand as an attempt to systematize kn
Content
Of particular interest is the interweaving of rhetoric, science, and technology. Such an interweaving is conceivable in at least three ways: 1) in the form of rhetorical peculiarities in the communication of scientists and engineers (rhetoric of science); 2) against the backdrop of an expanded understanding of rhetoric as a technical instrument for understanding the world, explaining the world, and changing the world (rhetoric as technology); 3) with rhetoric as the name of a discipline that lays claim to scientificity (rhetoric as science).
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Rhetorik und Wissen(schaft) |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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