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Theories of Justice
Gerechtigkeitstheorien
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:35
Abstract
We all have intuitions about whether something is just or unjust and why. In this seminar, we will discuss, analyse and respectfully critique such intuitions. Philosophy offers a wide range of analytic tools that can serve for that purpose. We will focus on examples relevant to STEM students.
Objective
Students will become familiar with justice theories from virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, the fairness discourse, critical, as well as feminist theories. They will be empowered to precisely articulate and analyze, as well as justify and criticize claims about justice and injustice.
Content
We all have intuitions about whether something is just or unjust, and why it is just or not. In this philosophical seminar, we will discuss, analyze and respectfully critique these intuitions. Philosophy offers a wide range of analytic tools that can serve us in articulating, analysing, justifying and critiquing intuitions about justice. We will explore justice theories in virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, fairness, critical, and feminist theories. We will turn to examples relevant to STEM students, such as AI and climate justice, as well as justice towards other species. We will also explore the initially somewhat far-fetched question of whether it is possible to be unjust towards machines, as well. Students are also very welcome to bring in other examples of interest to them.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 119
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Gerechtigkeitstheorien |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
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Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)
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