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Complexity Lectures
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:07
Abstract
These lectures will explore different areas of our scientific and social life where Complexity has a critical impact. The lectures are delivered by researchers from ETH Zurich and abroad, with different disciplinary backgrounds. The goal is therefore to provide a pluralistic conception of Complexity from fields and topics such as sociology, climate research, AI, mathematics, philosophy etc.
Objective
Students will learn to describe, evaluate, compare different conceptions, theories, methods and practices of Complexity from multiple disciplinary perspectives. They will also learn to critically assess their relation to current trends in science, technology, and society.
Content
Complexity or Complex Systems have become omnipresent in scientific, technological and social life. Economic markets, human brains, ant colonies, the climate, social groups, algorithms: complexity seems to be everywhere, and everybody seems to be dealing with complexity in his very own fashion. Therefore, it is important to critically address the current landscape of Complexity and its subsequent cultural challenges we are faced with. The problems in Complexity require a comprehensive perspective, where social and cultural aspects occupy a central position. In these lectures we propose an interdisciplinary approach, where the social sciences and humanities are as important as engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry and so on. Complexity will thus not be analyzed and defined abstractly, but we will look at how different research fields deal with complex systems theoretically and practically.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Complexity Lectures |
|
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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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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