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In Quest of Nature
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:27
Abstract
In this seminar, we will explore texts on nature from philosophy, history, science, art, and cinema, incorporating diverse viewpoints.
Objective
The goal of this seminar is to revisit the notion of nature and its potential implications for the understanding of scientific activity, of the world around us, and of ourselves. Students will be invited to develop their own critical thought by confronting different kinds of texts and positions, and actively engaging in the class discussion.
Content
In the seminar, we will read a selection of texts on nature ranging from philosophy and history to the natural sciences, psychology, and ecology, along with aid from art and cinema. We will try to incorporate as many viewpoints as possible, to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and universal concerns, so as to cultivate our sensitivity, since nature is not an abstract concept. We will use a mixed learning style, with part of the lecture consisting of the teacher’s presentation of the texts, followed by an open discussion. The idea behind the seminar is to read and discuss texts that approach nature as fundamentally inseparable from humankind, in contrast to uncritical notions of nature as an objectified, external entity, or as a wild mystery accessible by emotions only. Our investigation of nature will include questions about humankind and its relation towards it, such as: is nature expressed within humans, and if so, how? To what extent is it relevant to separate between the natural world and the activity of humankind? Our corpus will extend from thinkers of antiquity who are still relevant today (Heraclitus and Aristotle), through the visionaries of the French Revolution (Saint-Just and Robespierre), to figures such as Feyerabend, in particular his Naturphilosophie; Ferenczi, who pushed the boundaries of psychoanalytic investigation; Wegener, the pioneer of plate tectonics; the physicist Heisenberg; and von Uexküll, the founder of ethology. Finally, we will choose specific examples from literature, cinema, and the visual arts. Since students will be encouraged to contribute their knowledge and personal interests, part of the syllabus remains open, allowing us to determine together which materials best serve the collective shaping of the seminar.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | In Quest of Nature |
|
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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