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862-0136-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-GESS

The Normativity of Knowledge and the Knowledge of Normativity

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nadia Mazouz
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:16

Abstract

Knowledge of any kind is imbued with ethical, legal, political, epistemic, esthetic values. In the seminar we will discuss controversial theories about the if and how of this thesis. And: If knowledge is value-based, how can we know about values? This question turns out to be the subject of a lively debates that we will address as a second part of the seminar.

Objective

Students will get an overview of different historical and contemporary approaches in and of philosophy of knowledge practices. They are enabled to further developing their abilities to understand complex theories, to critically reflect on them and to put them up for discussion.

Content

Knowledge of any kind is imbued with ethical, legal, political, epistemic, esthetic values. In the seminar we will discuss controversial theories about the if and how of this thesis. Furthermore, we will thematize the common idea that there are different types of knowledge and that the kind of values inherent in these types of knowledge are different. And: If knowledge is value-based, how can we know about values? This question turns out to be the subject of a lively debates that we will address as a second part of the seminar. We will read classical historical and contemporary philosophy texts on the interrelation of knowledge and values, such as Immanuel Kant, Michel Foucault, Jürgen Habermas, Sandra Harding, Kwasi Wiredu, Judith Thomson, Benjamin Kiesewetter. The performance assessment is done by a short talk in group work as well as an in-class essay.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The performance assessment is done by a short talk in group work as well as an in-class essay.

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar The Normativity of Knowledge and the Knowledge of Normativity
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW D 42)
  • 22.04 Date 12:15-16:00 (IFW D 42)
2 h weekly

Offered In