933062 Organic agriculture

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Freyer, Bernhard
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

1Change Your Life: Philosophical Approaches to Transitioning to Organic Farming
In this seminar, we explore the concept of "change" both practically, from the perspective of organic farmers, and philosophically, through various schools of thought. Transitioning to organic farming is far more than a technical, professional, or economically driven decision. It is a moment of realization, a "This has to stop; things can't go on like this—I need/we need to change our lives" (Peter Sloterdijk). But what exactly needs to stop? The way of doing business! However, changing the way of doing business is not enough on its own. What people do, their attitudes, values, and social environment shape them and change them reciprocally. Everything is connected to this transition. How can this be understood from a philosophical perspective?
Classic terms that describe and engage with change include "transition," "transformation," and "change management." Philosophically, these terms open up a space for deep reflections on the nature of change, the dynamics of systems, and human nature. Philosophical perspectives provide rich insights into how we understand, shape, and manage change. Change does not occur suddenly but has a lead-up, a beginning, and ushers in a new phase of personal development. It is comprehensive (a "holistic" approach even to the smallest changes), and depending on one's consciousness, it may lead to a new form of being, possibly an action without resistance or effort (Taoist approach). Change as a way of life philosophy requires mindfulness, presence, and awareness (Zen philosophical approach), and is accompanied by freedom and responsibility (existentialist approach). So, is change a desirable permanent state (Heraclitus: "Everything flows")? And does the birthday wish "Stay as you are" imply something less well-meaning? (Spinoza – Stay as you are).
Seminar Schedule:

Preliminar - see the german version / further details 21.10.2024
Session 1: 21.10. Introduction to the seminar, the topic, and clarification of terms / Transformative Experience; (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) (see course materials)
Session 2: 21.10. Formulating our personal understanding, experiences, and perceptions of change
Session 3 (3 hours): 28.10. Change/transition from the perspective of organic farmers – Discussion round with three organic farmers
Session 4: 11.11. Synthesis – Gaining insights
Session 5: 25.11. Oral examination
Previous knowledge expected

No specific prerequisites - an interest in philosophical and socio-political topics is required.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Learning outcomes:
The course "Philosophy of Survival and Resources" provides students with insights into philosophical, socio-political, scientific, theoretical, artistic, ethical, and religious topics and discourses. Each year, a specific theme is explored in depth through selected guest lecturers.
Students are encouraged to place their own actions in the context of these topics, to engage in critical thinking, and to reflect on science. It is the student's responsibility to identify learning outcomes and the associated competencies in the course discourse.
Students will learn to critically engage with socially relevant topics and identify possible intersections with organic farming. They will also be able to critically reflect on possible social and societally relevant issues within organic farming.
Learning Objectives:
•Reflect on aspects of transition, transformation, and change management from different philosophical perspectives.
•Explain philosophical and practical insights using the example of organic farming.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.