Dr. Philipp Zehmisch (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) - How did the partition between Indiaand 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(10:38) The “Inwards” and “Across” Approaches in Examining the Partition(15:57) Cultural Production and Cross-Border Collaboration(19:26) The Role of Music and Religion in Borderlands(25:05) Social Class and Caste Dynamics in Borderlands(28:07) The Shift toward Cross-Border Ethics and Human Interaction(33:50) The Changing Dynamics of “Us and Them” in the Diaspora(37:23) Methodology: Ethno-Historiography in Anthropology(41:04) The Role of Oral Histories in State and Border Dynamics(43:02) Personal Reflections(48:28) Future Projects(50:42) Outro KeywordsAmbivalent 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

Dr. Martin Hofmann (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) 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(39:03) Outro KeywordsTranscultural 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

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 indetermining 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
KeywordsAI, 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

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
KeywordsCitizen 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

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
KeywordsAI 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

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.
Timeline00:00 Intro00:24 Introducing PD Dr. Johannes Gerwien04:45 Understanding Language Production09:02 Self-Monitoring and Executive Control in Language Production12:24 Incremental Language Encoding18:23 Linguistic Relativity Theory23:41 Thinking for Speaking Yourself Hypothesis25:58 Language Acquisition in Language and Thought31:28 Difference between Verbal and Nonverbal Tasks36:11 Methodological Challenges in Inner Speech Research37:12 Is Language-Free Cognition Possible?41:33 Generalizability Problem in Linguistic Research46:18 When We Talk to Ourselves, Who Are We Really Addressing? 50:51 Overcoming Language Barriers56:11 CAS Cognitive Science Program at Heidelberg University01:01:24 Outro
Keywordslinguistics, 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

Maximilian Kathan (Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) What is the impact of nationalism and antisemitism in the late Habsburg Monarchy?How did Karl Emil Franzos and Nathan Birnbaum contribute to the (re)construction of Jewish identity?What roles do language and literature play in defining national identity? In this episode, Maximilian Kathan from Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies discusses his research on Jewish identity constructions within the Habsburg Monarchy, focusing on the interplay of history, literature, and Jewish studies. He explores the impact of nationalism and antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Habsburg Monarchy, in light of the diverse perspectives of Jewish writers Karl Emil Franzos and Nathan Birnbaum. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, language, and cultural tensions in a rapidly changing empire, as well as the methodological challenges faced in historical literary studies. Timeline00:00 Intro00:24 Introducing Maximilian Kathan and His Research Topics03:12 Interdisciplinary Approaches in Historical Research05:04 Exploring the late Habsburg Monarchy: A Time of Change06:42 Comparative Analysis of Jewish Writers: Franzos and Birnbaum14:43 Nationalism and Its Impact on the Habsburg Empire20:17 Relationship between Language and National Identity in the Habsburg Empire21:11 Antisemitism and Its Effects on Jewish Writers23:58 Cultural Tensions: The Dichotomy of East and West26:07 Methodological Challenges in Historical Research29:44 Recommended Works of Franzos and Birnbaum31:52 Personal Reflections and Future Plans34:20 Outro  KeywordsJewish identity, Habsburg monarchy, nationalism, antisemitism, literary analysis, interdisciplinary research, historical context, cultural tensions, language, Jewish studies

Nadja Samira Fraenkel (Heidelberg University) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS) How does the travel motif shape narratives in third-generation Jewish literature? What are the differences between physical and metaphorical journeys? Can language serve as a space for belonging and identity?In this conversation, Nadja Samira Fraenkel from Heidelberg University discusses her PhD research on comparative perspectives of literary travel motifs in contemporary Jewish literature from Germany, Israel, and the USA. She explores the complexities of identity, the role of travel in shaping experiences, and the search for belonging and utopia within these narratives. The discussion also highlights the significance of language, the challenges faced by third-generation Jewish authors, and the political dimensions of art and literature.
Timeline00:00 Intro00:28 Introducing Nadja Samira Fraenkel and Her Research05:29 Exploring the Concept of Travel in Literature08:51 Travel Motif and Identity Politics in Jewish Literature13:56 The Search for Utopia in Travel Narratives18:10 The Third Generation of Jewish Authors27:19 Methodology in Comparative Literary Studies31:17 Language as a Space for Belonging37:45 The Role of Social Challanges and Counter Narratives in Jewish Literature51:53 Art, Identity, and the Political Nature of Creativity59:11 Outro
KeywordsJewish literature, travel motives, identity politics, comparative literature, contemporary authors, diaspora, utopia, third generation, literary analysis, cultural studies

Conversation with Vanessa Márquez Vargas, Debby Avendaño Sánchez, and Adrián Navia Segovia (University of Los Andes, Venezuela)
Language of the Episode: Spanish

In this episode, Vanessa Márquez Vargas, Debby Avendaño Sánchez, and Adrián Navia Segovia, all from the University of Los Andes, Venezuela, present a hybrid theme combining text and image, with the goal of showing, from their perspective and experiences, how objects, walls, absences, and design shape social and spatial realities. For this, the cultural, urban, and architectural dimensions of belonging have been taken into consideration in order to foster a dialogue about the ‘Us’ & ‘Them’ dichotomy through three brief sections: 1) The Shoe as a Semiotic Object;2) The Absence of Feet: The Uninhabited Space;3) "Walking in Someone Else's Shoes": The Architect and the Community.

Description of the Theme by the Presenters
“For us, what we have been saying and observing here just scratches the surface of the complex dynamics of belonging and alterity in everyday life, dynamics we believe deserve greater attention. Within these often-overlooked details, assumed as normalized, there is fertile ground for reflection and social action. The shoe, as a semiotic object, encodes status and identity, and in doing so, exposes social fractures. The absence of feet in urban spaces signals alienation, compelling us to reclaim the city as a shared place. In architecture, empathy transforms design into a collaborative act, creating spaces that resonate with community aspirations. These narratives challenge us to inhabit with intention, to bridge distances, tear down walls, and to walk, both literally and metaphorically, in the shoes of the other, forging a more inclusive, participatory, and meaningful world. Yet the question persists: Can we truly feel what the other feels, or will there always be an insurmountable distance? Each of us must arrive at our own answer, one that may spark dialogue, internal monologue, or, better yet, conscious action toward those we label as 'other' and normalize as 'them' in the continuous present.” 

LÍNEA DEL TIEMPO
00:00   Intro
00:23   Presentación de Vanessa Márquez Vargas, Debby Avendaño Sánchez y Adrián Navia Segovia por Sinan Barış Yaşar
03:18   Presentación del tema en español por Vanessa Márquez Vargas “¿Dónde están los pies?” Narrativas de pertenencia y alteridad
04:47   Parte 1: “El Zapato como objeto semiótico” por Vanessa Márquez Vargas
09:39   Parte 2: “La ausencia de los pies: los espacios deshabitados” por Adrián Navia Segovia
21:43   Parte 3: “Caminando con los zapatos del otro: el Arquitecto y la Comunidad” por Debby Avendaño Sánchez
32:11   Reflexión integradora: dimensiones articuladas en un continuum semiótico
34:33   Cierre del tema, agradecimiento y despedida

TIMELINE
00:00   Intro
00:23   Presentation of Vanessa Márquez Vargas, Debby Avendaño Sánchez, and Adrián Navia Segovia by Sinan Barış Yaşar 
03:18   Topic introduction in Spanish by Vanessa Márquez Vargas: “Where Are the Feet?” Narratives of Belonging and Alterity
04:47   Part 1: “The Shoe as a Semiotic Object” by Vanessa Márquez Vargas 
09:39   Part 2: “The Absence of Feet: The Uninhabited Space” by Adrián Navia Segovia 
21:43   Part 3: “Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes: The Architect and the Community” by Debby Avendaño Sánchez 
32:11   Integrative Reflection: Dimensions Articulated in a Semiotic Continuum 
34:33   Closing of the Topic, Thanks, and Farewell

Marco Del Din in conversation with Laura Herges
Diamonds Are Forever is not only the title of a James Bond film, but also the name of a drag show in Kyoto. In today's episode, Marco Del Din, PhD candidate at Heidelberg University and Ca' Foscari University in Venice talks to us about drag queens that transform into monsters, aliens, animals, and freaks. How do the performers of the oldest and longest-running drag show in Japan construct identities that connect their gender and sexual identities and their art? Find out more by listening to Laura's interview with Marco.