Conceptual history and individual sciences

This project analyzes and defends the importance of conceptual historical knowledge in the individual sciences. This knowledge is of both intrinsic and instrumental value, as it allows one to better understand the inner dynamics of what one does as a scientist and, if necessary, to actively influence them.

Whether description, measurement, calculation or simulation: it is always about presenting and discussing things against a conceptual background and in a certain vocabulary - be it when formulating hypotheses or theories, analyzing experiments and much more. Being aware of the emergence and ongoing dynamics of such a background and vocabulary can help to advance one's own discipline, for example by asking the relevant critical questions at the appropriate points. This is important in the natural sciences, for example, in order to be prepared for setbacks and unexpected innovations in experiments and theory formation. It is also important for exchange not only with colleagues, but also in broader social contexts. Especially in times of so-called digitalization, when information and misinformation are becoming ever more easily accessible and when scientists are increasingly called upon to acquire so-called third-party funding and to participate in the popularization of science: it is precisely then that a solid background knowledge of conceptual history can form an important basis for a critical awareness that is more concerned with appropriateness, realism and reliability than with form, dogma and timeless validity.

Publications on the subject:

: Prof. Dr. Dr. Norman Sieroka
Prof. Dr. Dr.

Norman Sieroka

Institution Philosophie (Phil)

Building/room: SFG 4190
Phone: +49 (0)421 218 67830
E-Mail: sierokaprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

Address

Universität Bremen
Institut für Philosophie, FB 9
Postfach 330 440
Enrique-Schmidt-Str. 7
28359 Bremen