Studies

The main teaching objective is to expose students to the contingencies and historicity of mathematics. The images of mathematics as the language of the book of nature, as perfectly formal and as universal and absolute knowledge are to be challenged and evaluated critically. To offer an alternative to these images, the focus is shifted to the linguistic, social and scientific construction of mathematical institutions and frameworks of communication. Courses are offered in the framework of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (D-GESS) programme and are designed to introduce students to the most important historical, social and philosophical aspects of mathematical knowledge.

Advanced courses are offered in the fields of history of knowledge and are part of the interdisciplinary Masters programme History and Philosophy of Knowledge.