Inhoud |
Contemporary science entails (implicitly or explicitly) a world view, a basic understanding of nature, life, matter and human existence. In other words, scientific research challenges the way we see our world as well as ourselves on a very fundamental level. The outcomes of scientific research have implications for our world-view, our basic understanding of nature, that cannot be ignored.
This notably applies to current large-scale research programmes concerning the basic structure, dynamics and constituents of life and matter. The objective of the course is the articulate, assess and challenge these basic meta-scientific / meta-physical views that are inherent in contemporary research practices. Topics:
Special attention will be given to scientists who played an active role in the dialogue between science and metaphysics, from Erwin Schrödinger up to contemporary scientists such as Craig Venter and George Church who not only display an intense interest in the dialogue between science, philosophy and society, but who also convey quite outspoken and controversial views about the vision of nature and life propagated by contemporary research.
This year, we will especially focus on synthetic biology as a converging, emerging and enabling field.Specific items (what is life?, synthetic cells, industrial microbes, transporting life to other planets / terraforming Mars, post-evolution) |
Onderwerpen |
• Emerging life sciences • Synthetic biology • Scientific imagination • Promise management • Complexity and reductionism • Biotechnology • Philosophical anthropology • Philosophy of Biology |
Toetsinformatie |
Participants will be invited to write a paper on one of the topics addressed in the context of the course |
Voorkennis |
Introductory course in Philosophy for Science Students on the Bachelor level |
Literatuur |
Several options, including: • George Church, Ed Regis (2012) Regenesis • Craig Venter (2013) Life at the speed of light |
Werkvormen |
• 30 hours guided group project work • 4 hours guided individual project work • 16 hours lecture • 20 hours student presentation • 10 hours individual study period |
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