851-0125-75L  Paul Feyerabend: Science In A Free Society

SemesterSpring Semester 2018
LecturersK. Bschir
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 25


Abstract2018 marks the 40th anniversary of Paul Feyerabend's controversial book „Science in a Free Society“. One of its many challenging claims is that the prevalence of the scientific world-view in modern society poses a threat to democracy. In this course, we will discuss and evaluate Feyerabend’s provocative ideas and develop and independent perspective on the role of science in democratic societies.
ObjectivePaul Feyerabend is best known for his ironic slogan „anything goes“, which he used in his critique against the rationalistic philosophy of Karl Popper. In opposition to critical rationalism, Feyerabend’s proposed a pluralistic view of science. In his later book „Science in a Free Society“ (1978), he reflects on the implications of pluralism on the role of science in society. He concludes that science with its rationalistic world-view provides just one among many ways of approaching reality and thus constitutes just one among many equally legitimate traditions, and that science should therefore be separated from the state like religion is separated from the state.

The main focus of this course will be on the discussion and evaluation of Feyerabend's claims. The reading list will include excerpts from Feyerabend’s book, as well as articles from current philosophy science that deal with the relationship between science and society. The goal of the course is to enable and encourage participants to develop their own critical stance on the role of science in society.
LiteratureTBA