GRK 2638:  Normativity, Critique, Change

• Subject Area: Philosophy
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 430193663

The Research Training Group engages in fundamental theoretical exploration of a specific structure of normative practices that connects the subjects of the participating disciplines. The practices of the arts, law, religion, language, and morality are characterized by the fact that individual acts are always bound to standards—yet these standards are simultaneously critically reflected upon and thereby put into question. This remarkable characteristic of certain normative practices is examined within the group from an interdisciplinary perspective to understand the specific way in which critical reflection constitutes a fundamental element in the dynamics of normativity as a whole. In this context, the application of standards can not only lead to change—change itself can, in some cases, such as in artistic practice, become the norm. During the first funding period, this core idea fostered the development of a productive discussion space, in which doctoral researchers explored their respective subjects within a shared theoretical framework. This facilitated a fruitful dialogue between different research questions and projects. Particularly insightful was not only the investigation of parallels and differences between various normative contexts but also the theoretical transfer between projects within the group, which generated valuable impulses. Moreover, discussions within the group contributed to the further development of its research program. In the first two cohorts, outstanding doctoral researchers from all participating disciplines were recruited, each committed to reflecting on their respective subjects from a common theoretical perspective. The study program is designed to enable doctoral researchers to complete their dissertations within three years—a goal that was successfully achieved by a considerable number of participants in the first cohort. During the first four semesters of each cohort, workshops focus on four thematic priorities, with doctoral researchers actively shaping the program and inviting guests based on their research interests. In the third year, thematic work within the group is largely scaled back to allow researchers to focus on writing their dissertations. Since the DFG no longer funds postdoctoral positions within the framework of Research Training Groups, the group's speaker will allocate a faculty-funded research associate position, supported by the Department of Philosophy and Humanities, to the group in the second funding period. This ensures the continued involvement of postdoctoral researchers, who play a vital role in the group.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Participating Institution: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Universität der Künste Berlin (UdK)
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Georg W. Bertram
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Anne Fleig; Professorin Dr. Manon Garcia; Professorin Dr. Karin Gludovatz; Professorin Dr. Susanne Gödde; Professor Dr. Matthias Hüning; Professorin Dr. Rahel Jaeggi; Professorin Dr. Ariane Jeßulat; Professorin Dr. Doris Kolesch; Professor Bertram Lomfeld, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Kirsten Maar; Professor Dr. Christoph Möllers; Professorin Dr. Sabine Nessel; Professor Dr. Thomas Schmidt