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Scientific ways of understanding. Introduction to the history of science
Die wissenschaftliche Erschliessung der Welt. Eine Einführung in die Wissenschaftsgeschichte
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:17
Abstract
The lecture discusses various scientific methods from ancient Greece to contemporary science. We will ask how pratical methods such as observation, statistics, travelling, collecting, measuring or experimenting established new scientific perspectives on the world. Thus, we will focus on scientific technics and practical methods of representation within their historical context.
Objective
Die Vorlesung stellt wissenschaftliche Ansätze und Methoden von der griechischen Antike bis zur Gegenwart vor. An ausgewählten Beispielen wird vorgeführt, wie sich etwa durch Beobachten, Sammeln, Reisen, Präzisionsmessungen, Experiment oder Statistik der wissenschaftliche Horizont verändert hat. Im Vordergrund stehen also wissenschaftliche Techniken, Praktiken und materielle Repräsentationen, die aus ihrem jeweiligen historischen Kontext heraus erklärt werden.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Die wissenschaftliche Erschliessung der Welt. Eine Einführung in die Wissenschaftsgeschichte |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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