Universität Wien

180127 KU Synthetic Biology and Biological Possibility (2019W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung

An/Abmeldung

Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").

Details

max. 30 Teilnehmer*innen
Sprache: Englisch

Lehrende

Termine (iCal) - nächster Termin ist mit N markiert

An unexcused absence in the first class-session means that you lose your place in class. Should you for any reason be unable to attend the first session, please write to david.wagner@univie.ac.at !

  • Dienstag 08.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 15.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 22.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 29.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 05.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 12.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 19.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 26.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 03.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 10.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 17.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 07.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 14.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 21.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
  • Dienstag 28.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock

Information

Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung

Prevalent approaches to contemporary philosophy of science (especially the so-called new mechanism in the philosophy of the life sciences) are often characterized by an actualist tendency. In this paradigm, scientific activities like explanation and model-building are seen as geared towards a better understanding of already existing actual natural or social phenomena. However, due to massive technological advancements in biotechnology in recent years, biology has become more explorative in nature. Especially in the emerging field of synthetic biology, scientists are not only interested in the actual biological world, but also in possible but as-of-yet unactualized forms of it.

The course provides a short overview of some of the basic issues in contemporary philosophy of biology. This work is then contrasted with new results in synthetic biology and recent work in the philosophy of biological engineering. Having taken the course the students are able to identify and critically discuss key themes in contemporary philosophy of biology, especially ones related to explanation, modeling, engineering and the epistemology and metaphysics of modalities.

Methods include close reading and critical discussion of the literature (concepts, themes, arguments), written reflections of the articles, (co-)chairing the group discussion, and a short presentation of an article of interest.

Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel

Assessment is based on attendance, class participation and assignments.

Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab

1. Active participation to the seminar
2. Reflections of readings submitted to Moodle 24 hours before the class (every other week)
3. Chairing class discussion
4. Presenting an article of your own choosing in the class

Prüfungsstoff

Literatur

The full list of readings will be given at the first lecture.

Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Letzte Änderung: Mo 07.09.2020 15:21