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History of Knowledge or History of Science?
Wissensgeschichte oder Wissenschaftsgeschichte?
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:45
Abstract
What is knowledge? What is scientific knowledge? How can knowledge be examined historically and epistemologically in order to achieve something like knowledge justice? These questions have recently triggered debates about the contemporary status of knowledge, especially in the context of ideological strategies of manipulation. These questions will be discussed on the basis of relevant texts.
Objective
The aim of the seminar is to familiarize the participants with the current debates on the importance of knowledge.
Content
While in modernity it seemed very clear what knowledge is and which technologies of knowledge are to be preferred - namely the scientific ones as they have developed in Europe - this certainty has been rendered in need of revision by global, feminist and ecological perspectives. One of the consequences has been that the history of science has been, if not replaced, then outshone by the history of knowledge. Meanwhile, the situation has been complicated by the fact that scientific knowledge is engaged in a political and epistemological struggle for authority and legitimacy with actors with very different interests. How can history of knowledge and/or history of science respond to this situation without giving up the legitimacy of scientific knowledge and at the same time meeting the demands of a pluralistic approach to knowledge?
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Wissensgeschichte oder Wissenschaftsgeschichte? |
|
2 h weekly |