Research projects

The project examines the significance of the physical concept of "impetus", developed in the early 14th century, focusing on physical and physiological interdependencies.

Between Herder and Goethe, (literary) aesthetic outlines using models of constancy and transformation of forces/energies indicate ideas that become formalised in thermodynamics around 1850.

A synergistic view of ecology, in particular from the viewpoint of evolution, helps to clarify changing conceptions regarding the effects of natural forces in the context of biodiversity.

In a history of knowledge of entomology, the use of the concept of force is examined in connection with related to the concept of Œconomy and ideas about reproduction in invertebrates is examined.

Focusing on aesthetic strategies and cultural transfers, the project investigates how nature was conceived as forces(s) in natural sciences and in art and literature from 1850 to 1900.

The research project investigates the narration of catastrophes in the literature of Poetic Realism as a genuinely liminal phenomenon oscillating between nature and culture.

The project is dealing with the phenomenon of the cast shadow as vim naturae with regard to its function in medieval and early 15th century painting as well as in natural philosophy.

The research project inquires into the performativity of the machine and examines the relationship between machine and spectator in early modern art.