Mind and Brain
Lecture (3 credits)
Prof. Dr. Michael Hagner
Tuesday, 5–7 pm
New location: ETH Zürich, ML D 28
According to a myth, the ancient Greek philosopher Democrit dissected animals, because he was in search of the seat of the soul. Current neuoscientists use neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic-resonance-tomography in order to localize cognitive and emotional qualities in the brain. Between these two dates lies a history of 2500 years, in which the relationship between the mind and the brain has been defined in various ways. Starting with ancient and medieval theories, the lecture will have its focus on modern theories from the nineteenth century onward. I will discuss essential issues in the history of the neurosciences such as localization theories, the neuron doctrine, reflex theory, theories of emotions, neurocybernetics and the importance of visualizing the brain and its parts, but I will also include works of art and literature.
First lecture: september 22th 2009
Science and Pseudoscience
Seminar (3 credits)
Prof. Dr. Michael Hagner
Wednesday, 10-12am
Location: ETH Zürich,
RAC (Rämistr. 36),
E14 (seminar room)
The distinction between "science" and "pseudo-science" seems to be obvious and clear. Science is supposed to take place at universities and research institutes whereas pseudo-science is supposed to simulate this academic status without success. However, to define what exactly "pseudo-science" might be is a much more complicated task than it seems at first sight. The seminar will discuss different attempts to draw this distinction.
Darwin revisited
Seminar (3 credits)
PD Dr. Marianne Sommer
Monday, 2.15–3.45 pm
Location: ETH Zurich,
RAC (Rämistr. 36),
E14 (seminar room)
We discuss evolutionary theories prior to, during, and after the time when Charles Darwin developed his main work. We inquire after the impact of Darwinism on bio-scientific practices: on their objects, forms of representation, and institutions. And we ask for the role of Darwinism in the current life sciences. Are they working within a post-Darwinian paradigm?
Space Observation and Space Travel since Galileo
Seminar (3 credits)
Dr. Philipp Felsch
Tuesday, 2 – 4pm
Location: ETH Zürich,
RAC (Rämistr. 36),
E14 (seminar room)
The UNESCO has announced the International Year of Astronomy, to commemorate Galilei’s famous moon observations in the winter of 1609. At the same time, the NASA is celebrating the 40th jubilee of the moon landing in 1969. To mark this double anniversary, the seminar will examine the history of space observation and space travel with respect to the history of science. Which role did the exploitation of space play for the general development of the modern sciences? How figured optical instruments such as the telescope, new media such as photography, and technical utopias such as the spaceship in this history? And last but not least: How did the advancement of astronomy modify the self-perception of man?
Future Visions - between science and fiction
Seminar (3 credits)
Dr. Gloria Meynen
Monday, 4–6 pm
Location: ETH Zürich,
RAC (Rämistr. 36),
E14 (seminar room)
The future is unknown. Nevertheless it is subject of innumerous scenarios, simulations, and prospects, because nothing is more important than the knowledge of tomorrow. How can we foresee the unpredictable? »The best way to predict the future is to invent it«, writes Alan Kay 1971. Between Science and Fiction the seminar deals from H. G. Wells’ Time Machine to Apollo 11 with the various strategies, techniques and practices of predicting and inventing the future.