RTG 2638: Normativity, Critique, Change

The research training group seeks to study a specific structure of normative practices common to art, law, religion, language and morality. These practices are characterized by the way in which they are always bound to standards; but at the same time, they are also defined by the fact that when actors engage in these forms of practice, they critically reflect upon and distance themselves from these very same standards. The group will take an interdisciplinary approach to this essential aspect aiming to grasp the ways in which critical reflection might be understood as a constitutive component of these practices’ dynamics. The realization of standards can lead to transformation, but transformation can itself become a standard of, for example, artistic practices. Within the research training group, PhD students will convene a forum that fosters group discussion on the fundamental structure of these normative practices, enabling them to take a common theoretical perspective on their respective topics of research. This dialogue should enable the members of the group to better grasp the specific differences of their objects of research in regard to the structure in question and should help them improve their ability to articulate these differences. In this way, the group will foster the development of new theoretical approaches in the disciplines involved and train young researchers by equipping them with novel perspectives on their disciplines and the requisite skills to present their work. The group seeks to attract PhD students interested in taking a more theoretical approach within their disciplines.The course of study is tailored to enable doctoral candidates to complete their dissertations in three years. Each cohort will study four key topics in the first four semesters. The members of the group will work on these topics in the group’s colloquium and in seminars and workshops. The PhD students will also be able to participate in shaping the course of study and will be encouraged to invite guests doing work on their topics of interest. In the third year, the PhD students will mostly be freed of work within the group so that they can focus on composing their dissertation. Post-docs will be tasked with supporting doctoral candidates in developing a course of study as a group and carrying out their dissertation research; they will also work to ensure that the group’s focus remains continuous and coherent throughout the different cohorts.