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Democracy (Theory) and Challenges Posed by the Digital Transformation
Demokratie(theorie) und Herausforderungen durch die digitale Transformation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:45
Abstract
First, an overview of different theories of democracy will be given in order to make explicit their normatively distinguished features. Second, using examples of the social application of digital technologies, controversies about their impact and normative evaluation are discussed. Third, these dissents are related to the models of democracy elaborated in the first part and analyzed.
Objective
Students will gain an overview of different theories of democracy and the associated different types of challenges to democracy posed by the digital transformation of society. They will be enabled to interpret complex texts, to identify the argumentation, to reflect critically and to put it up for discussion.
Content
Researchers agree that the digital transformation of society is a challenge to democracy. What is disputed is how exactly it challenges or even endangers it. One reason for the disagreement is certainly due to different descriptions and assessments of the precise social effects and risks of various digital technologies. A second reason has to do with the diversity of theories of democracy. In democratic theory, a distinction is usually made between liberal, republican, pluralist-participatory, and deliberative models of democracy (and often many more). Depending on which model is used (and how exactly it is determined), political participation, elections, accountability of politicians, the role of central legal-political institutions (such as the constitution), political culture, and the quality of discourse in the political public sphere are conceived and evaluated differently. In a first step, this seminar will provide an overview of different theories of democracy, with the aim of making explicit the normative features of important elements of democracy (such as political participation). In a second step, examples of the social application of digital technologies are used to discuss both divergent descriptions of their impact and controversies about normative evaluations in the research literature. In a third step, these dissents are related to the models of democracy elaborated in the first part and analyzed.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Demokratie(theorie) und Herausforderungen durch die digitale Transformation |
|
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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