Contemporary Research in Political Theory and Philosophy

What it is about

You will learn key current debates in political theory and philosophy and how these debates can be applied to the analysis of social and political consequences of technology. In the end you will be able to present core arguments of current research, compare them and apply them theoretically to concrete technological questions.

What you will be able to do

Knowledge of current debates in political theory and philosophy
Analysis and critical reflection of relevant arguments and controversies
Application of political theory to the political dimensions of technological change
Presentation and in-depth analysis of central arguments
Systematic comparison and evaluation of concepts and arguments

What the module consists of

SeminarKey form of event: presentation of current research by invited speakers and in-depth reflection sessions with students

Teaching method

TextlektürePreparation for discussions and in-depth engagement with theories
SeminardiskussionenDeepening understanding and application of concepts
GruppenarbeitJoint analysis and development of positions
Orale DiskussionsvorträgePromotion of oral argumentation and discussion
Forschungspräsentationen eingeladener WissenschaftlerInsight into current research topics and methods
Wissenschaftliches SchreibenDevelopment of an own, well-founded position and academic presentation

What you should already know

Grundkenntnisse politischer Theorien (z. B. Modul „Political TheoryFoundations“)

Assessment

scientific paperShort reflectionColloquiumMoodle submission

The examination consists of a short written reflection (250–500 words) on a text from a session, which must be submitted to Moodle before the respective session and serves as the basis for an oral discussion prompt (20%). The module exam comprises a scientific paper of about 4,000 words (excluding literature), in which you develop a precise thesis, justify it using political theory, and defend it against objections (60%). The grade is complemented by a colloquium in which you defend the core message of your work (20%).

Reading list

S. Berg, D. Staemmler & T. Thiel - Political Theory of the Digital Constellation. Zeitschrift für Politikwissenschaft 32, 251–265 (2022)
M. Coeckelbergh - The Political Philosophy of AI. Polity (2022)
K. Smits - Applying Political Theory. Issues and Debates. Palgrave Macmillan (2016)
J. Wolff - An Introduction to Political Philosophy. Oxford University Press (2023)

Dates

Seminar(SOT86147) Contemporary Research in Political Theory and Philosophy2 groups to choose from

AThu11:30–13:00
H.414, Besprechungsraum (2910.04.414)
7× · 15.10.–04.02.
- 15.10.
- 05.11.
- 19.11.
- 17.12.
- 07.01.
- 28.01.
- 04.02.
AThu11:30–13:00F.1.12, Seminarraum (2913.01.112)once on 26.11.
BThu15:00–16:30
H.414, Besprechungsraum (2910.04.414)
5× · 05.11.–28.01.
- 05.11.
- 19.11.
- 17.12.
- 07.01.
- 28.01.
BThu15:00–16:30F.1.12, Seminarraum (2913.01.112)once on 26.11.

From the current semester, not binding. You attend one of several groups; the timetable automatically suggests the one with the fewest clashes.

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