In this research team, we will investigate the following questions:
1. What is “philosophy” and how did the concept of “philosophy” develop in ancient Greece?
2. What does the criticism of philosophy and similar rational endeavours consist in?
3. What is the justification of philosophy and similar rational endeavours?
While we will concentrate on the ancient debates on this topic during the teaching period, the participants can also do research on the reception and continuation of the debate in other times, e.g. in the contemporary debate.
After a short introduction of the topic, every participant will develop his own research project. In a small team of max. 10 students, we will have sufficient time for presenting ideas, discussing them and getting feedback. Our aim is that every participant produces a paper on the topic which is ready for publication. You will have the chance to present your paper at a conference at the end of the semester and afterwards published in a collection.
English speaking applicants are welcome.
If you're interested, please write a formless e-mail to christopher.n.roser@gmail.com. Let me know what interests you in the topic and what your field of study as well as your stage in your studies (Bachelor or Master) is. Please let me also know whether you have passive German abilities.
Depending on the number of English speaking applicants and the willingness of the German speaking applicants to hold the course in English, we will determine whether the teaching language of the course will be English or German. In case you have passive German: English contributions, presentations and papers will be accepted in any case.