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Political Philosophy with a Focus on Democracy and the Digital Public Sphere
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:47
Abstract
In this lecture, basic questions of political philosophy and their answers are introduced systematically and historically. Fundamental political traditions are addressed, such as liberalism, cosmopolitanism, republicanism, conservatism, and feminist political philosophy. A focus is on theories of democracy.
Objective
Students will get an overview of different historical and contemporary approaches in political philosophy. 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
How should we live together - within political communities as well as between communities? In this lecture, basic questions of political philosophy and their answers are introduced systematically and historically. Fundamental political traditions are addressed, such as liberalism, cosmopolitanism, republicanism, conservatism, and feminist political philosophy. Another focus is democracy and democratic culture and the challenges of populism. We will discuss how digital technologies undermine public discourse and therefor democracy.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Political Philosophy with a Focus on Democracy and the Digital Public Sphere
Lecture: Thursday, 14-16
Exercise: Monday, 16 -18 or Thursday, 16-18
|
No time listed | 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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