Philosophical Reading Circle

for Non-Philosophers

Registration

The registration takes place via RWTH Online and is possible from March 1st. Further information about the registration process can be found in our FAQ.

All students can register for one module. You can specify two preferences. Please use the numbers “1” and “2”. If you have not been assigned a place in the project after the end of the assignment and are still interested in participating, please contact sibel.yildirim[@]ipw.rwth-aachen.de directly.

(If you have any problems with the registration or with RWTHonline, please contact Mrs. Sibel Yildirim (IPW), also stating your matriculation number: sibel.yildirim@ipw.rwth-aachen.de)

Questions and suggestions are welcome. Get in contact with us! (Visit us also on Facebook)

Academic Responsibility

Prof. Dr. Rudolf Lüthe

Philosopher

Contact Person

Schedulue

Start

17.04.2025

Time

Thursday, 4:30-6:00 pm

Place

Leonardo-Raum

Theaterplatz 14
52062 Aachen

Contents

Are you interested in philosophical topics? Do you want to exchange ideas about values, world views and concepts for a good life? But you don’t have the space for it in your studies? Then the reading group is perfect for you!

The philosophical reading group for non-philosophers offers students from different fields of study the opportunity to explore and discuss philosophical texts. The event enables the exchange of thoughts and opinions in a small group, without requiring any previous knowledge of philosophy. The discussions are intended to help us understand and critically reflect on philosophical ways of thinking and to share experiences of reading philosophical texts in an open group.

The selection of texts will be made together in the first session, taking into account the interests of the participants. From a pre-selection, classic works from the history of philosophy can be chosen. Participants are also invited to make suggestions! The session intervals and reading volumes will be chosen so that it can be easily integrated into the semester for everyone.

 

Possible texts:
Descartes: Meditations
Hume: An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals
Kant: Idea for a Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of View
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and EvilPatzig: Ethics without Metaphysics
Bieri: The Craft of Liberty 

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of basic philosophical concepts: Through the exchange, students should develop an understanding of philosophical thinking and discussion as well as concepts.
  • Develop critical thinking skills: Students should strengthen their critical reflection skills by analysing and interpreting philosophical texts and considering alternative perspectives.
  • Develop communication skills: By actively participating in discussions, students should improve their oral communication skills, in particular their ability to convey complex philosophical ideas in an understandable way.

Program

17.04.2025

Kick-off Event with joint text Selection

 Prof. Dr. Rudolf Lüthe

08.05.2025

First Discussion Session

22.05.2025

Second Discussion Session

26.06.2025

Presentation of the papers

10.07.2025

Third Discussion Session

17.07.2025

Final Discussion

Procedure/Working method​

Depending on the course of studies, module and examination, credit points can be achieved through participation. If you would like to take an exam, please make sure beforehand how you can get credit for it in your degree program. Of course, you can also take exams without receiving curricular credit for them. Visit our FAQs for more information.

Certificate

certificate of attendance (0 CP),
protocol with analysis (2 CP),
presentation (3 CP) 

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