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851-0125-00L 2 Credits DZ , DS , BSC , SHE D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-GESS , D-ITET , D-ARCH , D-CHAB , D-HEST
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Introduction to the Philosophy of Nature

Einführung in die Naturphilosophie: Gesetzmässigkeit, Zufall, Freiheit?

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Michael Hampe
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:56

Abstract

This lecture will give an overview of some systems of philosophy of nature since the beginning of experimental natural science. We will look at fundamental terms of these systems such as "law", "chance", "cause", "space", and "time" and consider the conceptual constellations in which they appear as possible objects of a current philosophy of nature.

Objective

The lecture aims to sharpen the awareness for the difference between experimental and non-experimental modes of thought about natural processes.

Content

"There is nothing supernatural". This is a typically modern conviction, that show that for most men today "nature" and "reality" means the same. That was not always so. "World", "reality" and "nature" are terms, that meant different "things" for quite a long time in the history of thought in europe. Thus for most men in acinent greek nature ended at the moon, Beyond the moon there was world, but not nature. That what startet behind the moon was supposedly more perfect than nature. These differences of perfection dissappeared out of the understanding of reality in modern times. The lecture will analyse this development by looking at influential conceptions of nature and world in ancient and modern times.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The script can be dowloaded from the following webpage:http://www.phil.ethz.ch/education/ProtoskriptNaturphilosophie.pdf

Literature

Literaturhinweise werden im Laufe der Veranstaltung gegeben.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DZ , DS , BSC , SHE
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Einführung in die Naturphilosophie: Gesetzmässigkeit, Zufall, Freiheit?
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In