Theoretical Philosophy

Two projects are concerned with the epistemology of time and, closely related, space. In the context of quantum mechanics, the conditions under which quantum systems can generate something like an objective time scale that is in principle accessible to an observer are investigated. With regard to our currently best spacetime theory --- general relativity --- it is investigated under which conditions and to what degree the empirical content of the theory as well as that of related spacetime theories can be determined by means of clocks (chronometry). Learn more.

For humans, time is something embodied, but how it is actually perceived and experienced is also related to cultural conditions. As time also takes on culturally specific forms, it becomes something local, plural and historical. The aim of the project is to explore the multiple forms of 'human time' (temporalities) within the city of Bremen between 1400 and 1600. The main thesis is that Bremen, and pre-modern cities in general, can be usefully conceptualized for this purpose as 'local time zones'. Within those, time took on locally specific forms for people and was thus experienced and perceived in unical ways. Learn more.

How do technology, digital methods and especially space travel change our world and our experiences? What can we learn in space that we couldn't learn "at home" on Earth? Can we address climate change from space, for example? And what new opportunities will arise for disciplines as diverse as pharmacy and architecture if digital methods can be used to redesign both molecules and buildings? And most importantly, what does this mean for our own experiential processes? -- These and similar questions are addressed by our various subprojects.

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

The current developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning immediately raise philosophical questions, as does the general handling of ever increasing amounts of data. Pressing epistemological questions concern, for instance, the notion and role of epistemic “transparency” and of “creativity” in computer-based research. Learn more.

As one approaches the history of African philosophy, two trends emerge: First, by non-Africans who "unilaterally claim the right to speak on behalf of Africans and define the meaning of experience and truth for them." Second, Africans are resisting and challenging their self-appointed biographers. African philosophy emerged from these two events (Masolo, 1994). The conditions under which African philosophy emerged can be examined as a site of contradictions, and the philosophical work of African philosophers can be seen as an attempt to break free from these contradictions. I would like to examine the forms of knowledge that emerged from this narrowly defined intellectual horizon and how the associated contradictions shaped African philosophy. Learn more.

Our social identities are accompanied by both positive and negative prejudices, including ideas about what we are capable of knowing. However, ascriptions of knowledge and ignorance to social groups are not always based on prejudice, but can also be theoretically grounded, such as by the standpoint theorists. This project researches the impacts of such ignorance ascriptions. Learn More.