201174 Controversial issues in biology (S) (WiSe 2003/2004)

On the basis of partly classical, partly more recent English texts, we will discuss biological issues of common interest, like e.g. the way science and politics dealt with BSE, the nature-nurture-debate, mind and free will, morphogenic fields and other attacks on evolutionary theory, emotional states in animals, the place of man in nature, the origin of creativity in science etc. Participiants are encouraged to suggest their own topics. Each participiant is required to give an informed presentation that serves as the basis of the following discussion, and to take an active part in the debate. Course language is English. [Lf: n; 50: j; Fs: n]