Warning! The directory is not yet complete and will be amended until the beginning of the term.
180127 KU Synthetic Biology and Biological Possibility (2019W)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from We 11.09.2019 09:00 to Tu 17.09.2019 10:00
- Registration is open from We 25.09.2019 09:00 to Sa 05.10.2019 23:59
- Deregistration possible until Th 31.10.2019 23:59
Details
max. 30 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
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 !
- Tuesday 08.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 15.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 22.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 29.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 05.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 12.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 19.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 26.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 03.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 10.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 17.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 07.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 14.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 21.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
- Tuesday 28.01. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal. 2H NIG 2.Stock
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
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.
Assessment and permitted materials
Assessment is based on attendance, class participation and assignments.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
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
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
Examination topics
Reading list
The full list of readings will be given at the first lecture.
Association in the course directory
Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:21