Individualism & Intra-action: Agency and causality in human and nonhuman affairs

Tanja Traxler
Institut für Kunst und Gesellschaft, Cross-Disciplinary Strategies
2020W, wissenschaftliches Seminar (SEW), 2.0 ECTS, 1.0 SemStd., LV-Nr. S03562

Beschreibung

In this seminar we will investigate key phenomena of quantum physics and explore their philosophical/sociological/political relevance. The philosophical lessons arising from quantum physics offer new insights into the interrelatedness of human and nonhuman actors. Unlike in classical physics, in quantum theory the dichotomy between observer and observed, subject and object, is called into question. To account for this conceptual shift, Karen Barad has introduced the notion of intra-action. In contrast to the classical concept of interaction, intra-action does not presume the prior existence of independent entities and thus allows for a new understanding of quantum theory with broad-ranging philosophical, societal, and political consequences. With as little quantum mechanical formalism as possible, we will explore the contributions of quantum theory to concepts such as entanglement, individualism, agency, causality, objectivity, materiality, virtuality, and vacuum, and their crossdisciplinary relevance.

This seminar does not require prior knowledge in physics and is explicitly open for quantum physics greenhorns. The course is tightly associated with the course of Daniela Gandorfer “On Gas Exchanges and the Right to Breathe”. We strongly encourage students to enroll in both courses!

Prüfungsmodalitäten

Examinations for the course „Individualism & Intra-action: Agency and causality in human and nonhuman affairs" for CDS students will be held as part of the finals of the CDC course.  Topic, problem definition and approach will be developed within the course „Individualism & Intra-action: Agency and causality in human and nonhuman affairs" and must be independently visible in the presentation.

CDCLab bundles the multitude of thematic possibilities and contents, systematic approaches and disciplinary requirements. CDCLab is a participatory lecture format in which students contribute, develop and apply topics and strategies largely independently. To this end, several courses from different subject groups of the study programme cooperate with CDC in the joint supervision of content, research, problem-solving and practical implementation. Multidisciplinary connections in project work, as well as examinations, are processed and executed within the framework of CDC.

Anmerkungen

Students from other faculties or universities will be given a place on the course subject to room capacities.

If possible, the course will be held in person, additionally/alternatively it will be possible to attend the course via Zoom. Details will be provided for all registered participants.

Termine

08. Oktober 2020, 12:45–13:30 Seminarraum 7 (Vorbesprechung)
15. Oktober 2020, 12:45–14:30 Distance Learning (laut Beschreibung)
29. Oktober 2020, 12:45–14:30 Raum-Nr. 053, EG Kassenhalle Postsparkassa, Georg-Coch-Platz 2
12. November 2020, 12:45–14:30 Distance Learning (laut Beschreibung)
26. November 2020, 12:45–14:30 Distance Learning (laut Beschreibung)
10. Dezember 2020, 12:45–14:30
14. Jänner 2021, 12:45–13:30
21. Jänner 2021, 12:45–13:30 Room-Nr. 053, GF Kassenhalle Postsparkassa, Georg-Coch-Platz 2 (Prüfung)

LV-Anmeldung

Ab 04. September 2020, 00:00
Per Online Anmeldung

Mitbelegung: möglich

Besuch einzelner Lehrveranstaltungen: möglich