Profile

Science Studies in Lucerne investigates historical and theoretical questions from the perspective of historical epistemology (Lorraine Daston; Hans-Jörg Rheinberger) as well as taking into account approaches from social studies of science. We understand the past and present of sciences as a laboratory, in which forms of scientific knowledge are investigated. Under this premise, Science Studies in Lucerne conceives the sciences and humanities as historically mutable phenomena, which vary depending on their context and object of inquiry and whose knowledge products are to be understood according to their circumstances and conditions.

The focus of teaching stresses the engagement with the fundamental theories and practices of scientific knowledge. Moreover, there is an emphasis on the role of scientific knowledge, both in political decision-making and in everyday life.

Science Studies can be studied as a Major in the Masters program „Integrierter Studiengang Kulturwissenschaften“ (ISK) leading to a degree in cultural studies (Kulturwissenschaften). Other BA- and MA- students can participate in science studies courses that usually count for elective credit in the BA- and MA-programs of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Core research areas are:

First, the field of life sciences in the time from the birth of natural history (botany, zoology), anatomy and practical medicine up to their current differentiation.

Second, the study of the humanities (cultural and social studies) since their formation in the seminar, as its labor and organizational unit, during the nineteenth century.

By focusing on the life sciences, we study an area of scientific activity which influences our lives in manifold, profound and often very personal ways, and whose practices and knowledge can be encountered continually in the public sphere. With a science studies of the humanities which has been neglected until now, we hope to investigate the interaction of the constitution of the subject matter, research practices, and material devices of knowledge production, for example in philology, history, law, economics, or sociology.

Current research and selected publications may be found here.

References to research tools and online archives are listed under Links & Tools.

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