HGGS - Us and Them

HGGS

In the podcast series “Us and Them,” Heidelberg University’s Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS) explores how divisions between groups emerge and shape societies across cultural, political, and historical contexts. Drawing on their research, professors, doctoral researchers, and experts discuss how boundaries are formed, identities constructed, and power negotiated across disciplines, from history and literature to sociology, philosophy, law, economics and beyond. Tune in as we discuss how this theme resonates in diverse cultural, political, and theoretical contexts.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 20: Environmental Economics: Circular Economy, Green Innovation and Economic Impacts of Weather Shocks – Interview with Dr. Federico Zilia (University of Milan)

    Dr. Federico Zilia (University of Milan) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) -       What role can the circular economy approach play in addressing current environmental challenges? -       How can we distinguish “green innovations” from conventional innovations in the context of increasing concerns about greenwashing? -       In what ways do weather shocks affect the economy of a region? In our twentieth episode, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Federico Zilia from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Milan and a contributing professor in the 4EU+ Program, Collegio Futuro: Interdisciplinary College for Doctoral Students 2026, who guides us through the intersection of economics and environmental policy. Our conversation focuses on the circular economy, green innovation, and the economic impacts of weather shocks. Dr. Zilia elaborates on the role of geographical indications, highlights the importance of sustainability management using the example of sea urchin waste, and discusses the challenges that weather shocks pose to labor markets and export goods. Moreover, the episode underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches in research and reflects on the responsibility of companies in adopting and advancing sustainable practices. Join us as we explore the dynamic field of environmental economics and examine how it plays a crucial role in addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges! Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Dr. Federico Zilia (02:52) Exploring Environmental Economics (06:11) The Circular Economy: Concept and Applications (12:38) Sea Urchin Waste: A Case Study in the Circular Economy Approach (14:49) Key Lessons for Companies in Adopting Circular Economy Models (17:54) How to Identify Greenwashing? (20:55) Geographical Indications and Intellectual Capital (25:20) Green Innovation and Green Patents (30:27) The Need for a Change in the Understanding of Geographical Indications (33:20) Weather Shocks and Their Effects on Economic Dynamics (35:13) Effects of Climate Change on Labor Reallocation and Export Goods (40:28) Methodological Challenges of Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Economics (45:21) Collegio Futuro 2026 (48:56) Future Research Directions and Personal Insights (53:01) Outro Keywords Environmental Economics, Circular Economy, Green Innovation, Green Patents, Climate Change, Environment Policy, Environmental Science, Geographical Indications, Sustainability, Labor Market, Labor Reallocation, Weather Shocks, Interdisciplinary Research, Quantitative Research, Economic Methodology, Research Methods, Wine Industry, Wine Export, Economic Outcomes, Sea Urchin Waste, Regulation, Greenwashing, Local Products, Us and Them, Heidelberg University, University of Milan, Scientific Podcast, Academic Podcast.

    54 min

  2. FEB 9

    Episode 19: Zooming in on Individuals in Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: Emotions and Coping Strategies in Times of Transition – Interview with Selin Beyhan (Heidelberg University)

    Selin Beyhan (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - What coping strategies do characters in post-apocalyptic novels use to deal with the challenges of post-apocalyptic settings? - What emotions do fictional characters display during periods of transition? - What can we learn from characters in post-apocalyptic narratives?   In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Selin Beyhan from the Department of English Studies at Heidelberg University, to discuss her research on post-apocalyptic fiction, with a particular focus on individual emotions and coping strategies during times of transition. Selin reflects on her academic journey and highlights the timely relevance of her work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased readers’ engagement with themes of emotional resilience and adaptation in literature. She further clarifies the distinction between apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction and explains how her research examines contemporary narratives that mirror modern anxieties. Drawing on a range of novels, including Station Eleven, The Dog Stars, The Book of M, The Beginning at the End, The City Where We Once Lived, and Severance, she explores how characters navigate trauma, uncertainty, and transformation. By bringing psychological theories into her literary analysis, Selin seeks to illuminate the complexity of human emotions amid societal upheaval and ultimately aims to deepen our understanding of individual experiences in post-apocalyptic narratives. Join us as we explore the thin line between fiction and non-fiction in post -apocalyptic storytelling!   Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Selin Beyhan and Her Research Topic (01:49) The Choice of Research Topic and the Impact of the Pandemic (05:10) Differences Between Apocalyptic Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, and Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia (07:33) Contemporary Post-Apocalyptic Fiction (10:00) Contemporary vs. Non-Contemporary Post-Apocalyptic Fiction (15:30) The Concept of “Empathy”: Past Experiences and Similarity (19:09) Focusing on Individual Experiences (21:06) Coping Strategies in Post-Apocalyptic Narratives (24:15) Character Transformation After Trauma (27:24) The Gap Between Us and Them in Post-Apocalyptic Fiction (30:10) Interdisciplinary Approaches in Literary Research: The Application of Psychological Theories (33:30) Challenges of an Interdisciplinary Approach (36:09) Transferring Insights from Post-Apocalyptic Fiction to Real Life (41:12) Personal Reflection: Language Channel on Instagram (Selinguist) (43:22) Personal Reflection: Balancing Academic and Personal Life (46:22) Outro   Keywords Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Narratives, Coping Strategies, Emotional Resilience, Contemporary Literature, Fiction, Psychological Analysis, Individual Experiences, COVID-19, Literary Studies, Literary Research, English Studies, Empathy, Character Development, Emotions, Coping Strategies, Interdisciplinary Work, Apocalypse, Coping with Change, Transition Times, Modern Anxieties, Station Eleven, The Beginning at the End, The Dog Stars, The City Where We Once Lived, Severance, The Book of M, Us and Them, Heidelberg University, Scientific Podcast, Academic Podcast, HGGS

    47 min

  3. JAN 26

    Episode 18: Ambivalent Enmity in Bordering Processes – Interview with Dr. Philipp Zehmisch (Heidelberg University)

    Dr. Philipp Zehmisch (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - How did the partition between India and Pakistan shape the ambivalent enmity between these cultures? - What forms of cultural resilience have developed along the border between India and Pakistan? - How should we approach and make sense of the sensitive issue of “cross-border ethics,” and what key considerations should guide our understanding of it? In this episode, Dr. Philipp Zehmisch from the Department of Anthropology at the South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, invites us into his research on ambivalent amnesty in bordering processes, with a particular focus on the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in the Andaman Islands and in Pakistan, Dr. Zehmisch explores how questions of migration, identity, and the long shadow of partition shape everyday lives. He highlights the importance of cultural production and cross-border collaboration in fostering understanding and resilience among communities on both sides of the border. At the same time, he reflects on the challenges posed by social class and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing persistent inequalities. Join us as explore how borders shape the relationship between “Us and Them” in the context of partition between India and Pakistan! For Dr. Zehmisch’s academic profile: https://www.sai.uni-heidelberg.de/en/departments-and-branches/anthropology/team/dr-philipp-zehmisch Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Dr. Philipp Zehmisch and His Academic Background (05:45) Past, Present and Future in the Context of Borders (10:43) The “Inwards” and “Across” Approaches in Examining the Partition (16:03) Cultural Production and Cross-Border Collaboration (19:33) The Role of Music and Religion in Borderlands (25:13) Social Class and Caste Dynamics in Borderlands (28:16) The Shift toward Cross-Border Ethics and Human Interaction (34:02) The Changing Dynamics of “Us and Them” in the Diaspora (37:38) Methodology: Ethno-Historiography in Anthropology (41:22) The Role of Oral Histories in State and Border Dynamics (44:12) Personal Reflections (48:53) Future Projects (51:07) Outro Keywords Ambivalent Amnesty, Bordering Processes, Borders, India, Pakistan, Partition, Colonialism, South Asia, Anthropology, Migration, Cultural Production, Borderlands, Partition, Social Class, Ethno Historiography, Religion, Islam, Hinduism, Sufism, Music, Cultural Resilience, Nation States, Cross-Border Collaboration, Politics, Border Making, Identity, Human Interaction, Andaman Islands, Diaspora, Inequality, Subalternity, Caste Dynamics, Interdisciplinary Research, Methodology, Us and Them, Social Sciences, Humanities, Heidelberg University, Scientific Podcast, Academic Podcast

    52 min

  4. JAN 14

    Episode 17: Strange Creatures - Imaging and Imagining Other Peoples – Interview with Dr. Martin Hofmann (Heidelberg University)

    Dr. Martin Hofmann (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) -      What do old maps tell us about a society’s culture? -      Why do we find these “strange imaginary creatures” in the old East Asian mapmaking tradition? -      How should we read the images on old maps in order to understand them better? In the first episode of the year 2026, Dr. Martin Hofmann from the Department of Intellectual History at the Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies, Heidelberg University, introduces the fields of transcultural studies and intellectual history and explains how these disciplines help us understand cultural perceptions. Dr. Hofmann elaborates on how maps function as a medium for conveying knowledge and how they mirror the epistemic ideals of different cultures. He also touches on the special features of these maps, the “imaginary creatures,” and the role they play in how cultures imagine and interpret the “other.” The conversation further explores how mapmaking practices have evolved over time, why images are so important for cultural history, and what methodological challenges arise when we try to interpret historical images today. Join us as we wander through old maps and meet their imaginary creatures! Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Dr. Martin Hofmann (02:12) Introduction to Transcultural Studies (03:48) Understanding Intellectual History (05:09) Strange Creatures: Imaging and Imagining Other Peoples (07:13) The Role of Maps in Intellectual History (10:04) Ethnographic Description of a Culture in Maps (11:14) Cultural Differences between Maps Making Traditions (13:06) Imaginary Creatures in East Asian Cartography (15:35) Historical Perception of Imaginary Creatures (17:27) Patterns among Different Imaginary Creatures (19:07) The Evolution of Mapmaking Practices (21:05) The Disappearance of Imaginary Creatures (24:00) Interaction between Cultures in Map Making (25:07) How “Imaginary” are These Creatures? (27:15) Iconic Turn and The Importance of Images in Cultural History (29:58) Methodological Considerations in Image Interpretation (33:05) Diversity of Interpretations within Cultures (37:29) Conclusion and Future Plans (41:00) Outro Keywords Transcultural Studies, Intellectual History, Cartography, Imaginary Creatures, East Asia, Maps, Cultural Perception, Research, Methodology, Visual Studies, Images, Icons, Iconic Turn, Cultural Interaction, Interdisciplinary Research, Epistemic Ideals, Image Studies, Cultural Narratives, Cultural Perceptions, Worldview, Historical Images, Heidelberg University, Us and Them, Humanities, Social Sciences, HGGS, Academic Podcast, Scientific Podcast

    42 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Episode 16: Determination of Criminal Responsibility: The Usability of AI in Criminal Proceedings and Implications on Human Rights – Interview with Isabell Eiwan (Heidelberg University)

    Isabell Eiwan (Faculty of Law, Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - What are the possible use cases for AI in criminal proceedings? - What are the limitations of AI in determining human intentions in criminal proceedings? - What might the use of AI in criminal proceedings imply for human rights? In this episode, Isabell Eiwan from the Faculty of Law at Heidelberg University and a participant in the Marsilius-Kolleg Summer School 2025 “AI and Human Values,” discusses the intersection of AI and criminal responsibility. Together, we explore what the use of AI in legal proceedings could mean in practice and what it might imply for human rights. The conversation touches on how criminal responsibility is defined, the role of free will, and the limits of AI when it comes to interpreting human intentions. Our guest, Isabell Eiwan, also highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing AI tools for the legal system, while thoughtfully weighing both the challenges and the potential benefits of integrating AI into criminal justice. Join us as we unpack where AI meets criminal proceedings and why this convergence carries important implications for the legal system and fundamental rights. Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Isabell Eiwan (03:10) Understanding the Concept of Criminal Responsibility (04:45) The Role of Free Will in Criminal Law (08:02) AI's Limitations in Understanding Human Intentions (10:13) Current Legal Standards for Determining Criminal Responsibility and the Integration of AI (12:17) Expert Opinions and the Role of the Judge (13:27) Challenges of AI in Legal Contexts (14:35) The Impact of “Empathy” in Criminal Proceedings (16:29) The Black Box Phenomenon (18:16) Potential Benefits of AI in Criminal Justice (21:02) Should AI’s Opinions Be Binding in the Criminal Proceedings? (22:10) Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Developing AI for Criminal Law (24:15) Evaluating AI's Effectiveness in Legal Decision-Making (26:24) AI Decision-Making Process (28:37) Comparing French, British, and German Legal Studies (32:17) Personal Insights: Metal Music (36:00) Outro Keywords AI, artificial intelligence, criminal responsibility, legal responsibility, criminal law, diminished responsibility, criminal proceedings, human rights, free will, legal standards, intentions, empathy, black box phenomenon, interdisciplinary collaboration, legal technology, limitations of AI, legal decision making, AI decision making, interdisciplinary research, bias, judges, legal studies, academic podcast, scientific podcast, us and them, Heidelberg University

    37 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Episode 15: The Concept of “Citizen Science” and Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail – Interview with Prof. Dr. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı (German Cancer Research Center)

    Prof. Dr. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı (German Cancer Research Center) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) -  What should be understood by the concept of “citizen science,” and what distinguishes citizen science from other scientific approaches? -  Why is it important to include the public in the scientific research process? -  What insights does the mapping of tobacco and alcohol retail provide within the framework of public health research? In this episode, Professor Dr. Connie Hoe and researcher Ezgi Baltacı from the Division of Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum) talk about the concept of citizen science and its application in public health research, focusing on their project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim, Germany.” They reflect on the importance of interdisciplinary research, the benefits of involving the public in scientific work in the field of public health, the ethical considerations that come with the citizen science approach, and policy recommendations for tobacco and alcohol control. The conversation highlights the challenges of citizen science projects, the methodology used in their research, and the initial results of their mapping project, emphasizing the community’s role in shaping health behaviors. Join us as we explore citizen science and its use cases in public health research with our expert guests! Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Prof. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı (03:43) Activities of the Division of Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention at the German Cancer Research Center (07:24) Interdisciplinary Research and Its Importance in the field of Public Health (08:27) Understanding Citizen Science (10:40) The Social Aspect of Citizen Science (12:32) How Citizen Science Differs from Other Scientific Research Methods? (14:13) Public Engagement and Ethics in Citizen Science (17:30) Challenges in Citizen Science Projects (18:25) Data Quality and Reliability (20:23) The Research Project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim” (24:25) Methodology, Recruitment Strategies and Community Impact (28:41) Challenges during the Project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim” (32:07) “Citizen Mapping Day” Experience (35:31) Initial Results of the Project (37:34) Migrant Health Research (40:08) Policy Recommendations for Regulation of Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption (43:29) Future Academic Plans (45:27) Personal reflection: What will be missed most when leaving Heidelberg? (49:30) Outro Keywords Citizen Science, Public Health, Tobacco Retail, Alcohol Retail, Interdisciplinary Research, Community Engagement, Policy Implementation, Health Behavior, Research Ethics, Heidelberg, Mannheim, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Mapping Project, Cancer Prevention, Health Research, Policy and Implementation Research, Heidelberg University, Ethics, Ethical Considerations, Tobacco Control, Alcohol Control, Local Health Policy, Recruitment Strategies, Public Engagement, Data Quality, Data Reliability, Community Participation, Academic Podcast, Scientific Podcast, Us and Them

    51 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Episode 14: The Contribution of the Philosophy of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders and Hannah Arendt to Responsibility in the Ethics of AI – Interview with Alexandre Bretel (Grenoble Alpes University)

    Alexandre Bretel (Grenoble Alpes University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - What makes AI ethics distinct from other areas of ethics? - What is required for the “responsible” use of AI? - How can the philosophies of Hans Jonas, GüntherAnders, and Hannah Arendt provide guidance in addressing the challenges of AI? In this episode, Alexandre Bretel from the Grenoble Alpes University and participant in the Marsilius-Kolleg Summer School 2025 “AI and Human Values” joins us to explore the intersection of AI ethics and responsibility through the perspectives of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, and Hannah Arendt. Together, we reflect on the philosophical foundations of AI ethics, the meaning of responsibility, and the so-called “responsibility gap” in AI systems. The conversation also turns to broader questions—how AI challenges human autonomy, the difference between innovation and progress, and the fine line between utopian promise and dystopian risk. We further discuss the ethical dimensions of surveillance, the importance of individual responsibility, and what policy approaches might guide the development of truly responsible AI. Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing Alexandre Bretel and His Research Focus (03:11) Fundamentals of AI Ethics (06:48) The Perspectives of Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, and Hannah Arendt on Responsibility (09:18) Understanding the Concept of Responsibility in AI (10:43) The Responsibility Gap in AI Systems (13:09) Implications of AI on Human Autonomy (15:52) Innovation vs. Progress in Technology (19:36) Utopia, Anti-Utopia and Dystopia in the framework of AI Ethics (21:32) Surveillance and AI: Ethical Implications (24:35) Individual Responsibility in the Age of AI (27:02) Policy Recommendations for Responsible AI (29:13) The Blurring Lines between Private and Public Spheres (31:22) Personal Reflection: Importance of Philosophical Wanderings (33:36) Outro Keywords AI ethics, responsibility, Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, Hannah Arendt, technology, human autonomy, innovation, progress, surveillance, utopia, dystopia, anti-utopia, technology ethics, wandering, AI systems, environment, AI regulation, AI policy

    34 min

  8. 10/18/2025

    Episode 13: Thinking for Speaking Yourself? - Interview with PD Dr. Johannes Gerwien (Heidelberg University)

    PD Dr. Johannes Gerwien (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - What are the functions of “inner speech” within the framework of cognitive science? - What role does the linguistic relativism theory play in inner speech and the thinking process? - Is language-free cognition even possible? In this episode, PD Dr. Johannes Gerwien discusses the intricate relationship between language, thought, and cognition. He explores various aspects of language production, including inner speech, self-monitoring, executive control, and the nature of language encoding. The conversation delves into linguistic relativity theory, the impact of language acquisition on cognitive processes, and the challenges of studying inner speech. PD Dr. Gerwien also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in cognitive science and the potential for overcoming language barriers through shared experiences and understanding the nature of these barriers. Timeline (00:00) Intro (00:24) Introducing PD Dr. Johannes Gerwien (04:45) Understanding Language Production (09:02) Self-Monitoring and Executive Control in Language Production (12:24) Incremental Language Encoding (18:23) Linguistic Relativity Theory (23:41) Thinking for Speaking Yourself Hypothesis (25:58) Language Acquisition in Language and Thought (31:28) Difference between Verbal and Nonverbal Tasks (36:11) Methodological Challenges in Inner Speech Research (37:12) Is Language-Free Cognition Possible? (41:33) Generalizability Problem in Linguistic Research (46:18) When We Talk to Ourselves, Who Are We Really Addressing? (50:51) Overcoming Language Barriers (56:11) CAS Cognitive Science Program at Heidelberg University (01:01:24) Outro Keywords linguistics, language production, inner speech, linguistic relativity, cognitive science, cognition, language and thought, language acquisition, language production, language encoding, psycholinguistics, thinking for speaking, self-monitoring executive control, attention, language barriers

    1h 2m
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About

In the podcast series “Us and Them,” Heidelberg University’s Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS) explores how divisions between groups emerge and shape societies across cultural, political, and historical contexts. Drawing on their research, professors, doctoral researchers, and experts discuss how boundaries are formed, identities constructed, and power negotiated across disciplines, from history and literature to sociology, philosophy, law, economics and beyond. Tune in as we discuss how this theme resonates in diverse cultural, political, and theoretical contexts.

Information

  • Creator
    HGGS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © HGGS
  • Show Website
    HGGS - Us and Them