851-0125-77L  What We Learn About the Liife Considering Machines

SemesterAutumn Semester 2018
LecturersD. A. Strassberg
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentParticularly suitable for students of D-HEST, D-INFK, D-MAVT


AbstractThe lecture gives an overview about the different Man-Machine-Relations since the 16th century. Different models of machines will be important here: the clockwork, the steam engine and the computer.
ObjectiveOn the one hand modells of machines had a heuristical value in research on man, e.g. in Harvey's discovery of blood circulation in the 17th century or in brain research in the 20th century. On the other hand these modells were always criticised, sometimes polemically, because they are supposedly not adequate for man.
Students should learn about the connections between the history of anthropology and technology and be able at the end of the course to evaluate the critical philosophical arguments that are connected with the metaphor of the machine.