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Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology: Evolution
Einführung in die Philosophie der Biologie: Evolution
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:19
Abstract
"Information" and "evolution" are terms used in different fields of biology such as genetics, neurobiology, immunology, systematics, and paleontology. In this course, we will look at the different uses of the concept of information and evolution and ask if they have the same meaning as in semantics, information-technology, thermodynamics, or history.
Objective
The course will give an introduction to the philosophical problems of biology. These concern the following concepts: life, information, evolution, goal-directedness, environment.
Content
"Information" and "Evolution" are terms in different fields of biology, like genetics, neurobiology, systematics, immunology and paleontology. The terms originate in the platonic-aristotelian metaphysics, where forms in-form bits of matter in such a way that distinguishable individuals arise and in process-metaphysics and philosophy of history. In this course we will look at the different uses of the concepts of information and evolution, and ask if they have meaning as the ones in semantics, information-technology, thermodynamics or history.To get three credit points one has to prepare a text for discussion or to write a critical protokoll of one of the sessions (10 pages).
Resources
Literature
Will be given at the beginning of the course.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Einführung in die Philosophie der Biologie |
|
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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