Critique in Context
Institution
Business, Economics, and Social Sciences
Department
Sozialwissenschaften
Teaching staff
Dr. Andreas Busen
SDG-topic cluster
Empowerment
Comments/contents
Lehrveranstaltungstitel (englischsprachige Übersetzung): Critique in Context INHALTE: Critique is considered to be one of the main tasks of political theory, as well as of political science and the social sciences in more general. At the same time, however, there is a profound lack of agreement on what 'critique' actually means or involves. Instead, one may find a plurality of different 'models' of critique, and overall substantive disagreement about the objects, method, materials and aims of critique. In this seminar, we will explore different modes and models of critique, and discuss and assess their respective merits and problems. In doing so, we will not only try and approximate a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of critique overall, but cover in detail a variety of different models of critique - ranging from the usual suspects like the Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School or Foucauldian Genealogy though hermeneutic models of critique to the idea of empirical analysis as a form of critique. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions as to what particular model of critique you would like to see covered in the seminar! I'm more than happy to try and incorporate your suggestions into the final syllabus.
Learning objectives
- a firm grasp of different modes and models of critique
- an understanding of the overall role and significance of critique in the context of modern society
- the ability to link abtract theorizing to practical (political) problems
- the ability to develop and defend argumentative positions vis-a-vis theoretical problems and questions
- a firm grasp of the interplay between modern politics, economy and society
Didactic concept
One of the leading questions for the exploration and assessment of different modes and models of critique in the seminar addresses their respective context. 'Context' here refers to two things. First, the historical context in which the respective model of critique was originally developed: Are there any particular social, economic and/or political developments which might help explain the emergence of a particular model of critique? To what extent are particular models of critique aimed at specific social, economic and/or political constellations? Etc. Second, the scientific context in which the respective model of critique emerged: To what extent may certain developments in the philosophy of science explain the emergence of particular models of critique. What are the epistemological, methodological and other presuppositions of a particular model of critique? Etc. Reconstructing these two dimensions of 'context' will prove essential for understanding and assessing the different models of critique covered in the seminar. Accordingly, for each seminar session a group of students will research and present the relevant context - which will then provide the background for our discussion of the respective model of critique.
Semester
WiSe 19/20
Center for a Sustainable University
Mittelweg 177
20148 Hamburg
www.nachhaltige.uni-hamburg.de