Winter semester

UV Theories of Truth

SE Philosophy of time and time travel
This course offers an introduction to the philosophical debates surrounding the concepts of time and time travel. We delve into questions such as the metaphysical nature of time and whether time travel is possible.To explore these issues, we first examine contemporary theories of time, including presentism, eternalism, and the growing block theory. Furthermore, we delve into the treatment of the possibility of time travel within contemporary philosophy.Contemplating the possibility of time travel and its associated paradoxes contributes to a richer comprehension of the concept of time. In navigating discussions of time and time travel, we also tackle pertinent issues such as causation, the continuity of identity over time, the possibility to change the past, time loops, fate, and free will.

SE Possible and Impossible Worlds: Logic, Metaphysics and Semantics

Possible and impossible worlds are by now ubiquitous in model-building, being an important part of the philosophers toolkit. This course covers a range of topics in possible-world semantics, with a special focus on questions in logic, metaphysics, and the philosophy of language. Discussion topics will include: modal metaphysics, the use of impossible worlds in non-classical logics, the semantics of counterfactual and counterpossible conditionals, and the phenomenon of hyperintensionality. The course aims to acquaint students with the recent literature on modality, as well as some formal techniques in logic and model-theory. It is designed to be relatively self-contained, even though familiarity with modal logic is an advantage. Those interested in attending may wish to consult: Berto, F. & Jago, M. 2019. Impossible Worlds

SE Giving a Voice to the Unsayable? Problems of Understanding and Representation in Ethics and Aesthetics

Wittgenstein states in his Tractatus that ‘ethics and aesthetics cannot be put into words, that ethics is transcendental, that (ethics and aesthetics are one). (TLP 6.421)In our meta-ethics / meta-aesthetics seminar, we are approaching Wittgenstein’s thesis of the un-sayability of an ethical and an aesthetic dimension of our experience and of our world; we are trying to understand how ethics and aesthetics are ‘transcendental’ and ‘one’ and how they can be the subject matter of philosophical debate. At the same time, we investigate what a limit of language delineates, and critically explore the consequences of the thesis that some things escape representation. We concern ourselves with the cognitive aspect of art and with the nonpropositional content of a background of speaking and acting especially as they relate to the understanding of the intentionality of others.What can be said? Who has a voice? How can we understand?These three questions correspond to three commitments obligating us to give a voice to the unsayable: an existential desire, a political need and a moral obligation to confront these questions.Participants will be asked to write two shorter papers (one on ethics, one on aesthetics) to receive a grade.The seminar is open to all. It will be held online on Friday from 16:00 to 18:00On the 12th of January 2024 we are going to visit the Museum der Moderne Mönchsberg together.

Summer semester

SE The Scientific Realism Debate

SE Intersubjectivity

more course program TBA