Aufklärung in Zeiten der Verdunkelung

Lecture, discussion, and conversation with Dr. Philipp Blom and Florian Chefai Our prosperity still depends on the use of fossil fuels, on an economy built on growth at any cost, and on a self-image that sees humankind as the master of nature. But it is becoming increasingly clear that this attitude is reaching its limits. The planet is heating up rapidly, species are becoming extinct, and social and political tensions are rising worldwide. Democracy and human rights, the achievements of the Enlightenment, are increasingly under pressure, and the more acute the multiple crises become, the more seductive the simple answers of populists sound. The philosopher Philipp Blom describes our present as a time of upheaval—a phase in which we must critically examine the earlier promises of unlimited growth and technological progress. And that is a good thing! Because to doubt means to enlighten and to ask: Are there better ways, are there better goals? Let us together question outdated worldviews and confront the complexity of real, existential entanglements. But how can we broaden our perspective and boldly develop the Enlightenment further? How can we create species-appropriate conditions for Homo sapiens? What does a future narrative look like that speaks of hopes beyond illusions? Florian Chefai discusses these questions with philosopher Philipp Blom live in front of and with the audience. Philipp Blom is a philosopher, historian, author, and journalist. His 2011 book, Evil Philosophers*, about the half-baked Enlightenment, made him a favorite in secular circles, and he has been an advisor to the Giordano Bruno Foundation since 2015. Many of his books revolve around the Enlightenment: *The Rational Monster: Diderot, d’Alembert, de Jaucourt, and the Great Encyclopedia (2005); The World Off Its Hinges (2017); What's at Stake (2017); and The Great World Theater: On the Power of Imagination in Times of Upheaval (2020). “Subjugation: The Beginning and End of Human Domination over Nature,” 2022, and most recently, “Hope: On a Wise Relationship with the World,” 2024. In addition, Philipp Blom hosts the program “Punkt Eins” on the Austrian cultural radio station Ö1, makes films such as the multi-award-winning documentary series “The Vertigo Years,” and curates exhibitions in Europe and the USA. Philipp Blom lives in Vienna and will join our event via live video link. Florian Chefai is the academic coordinator of the Hans Albert Institute and is responsible for press and public relations at the Giordano Bruno Foundation. His research focuses on ethics, legal philosophy, and the history of ideas. From 2015 to 2019, he was deputy editor-in-chief of the Humanist Press Service (hpd) and subsequently wrote for publications including the philosophy magazine. He has supported several humanitarian projects and advised institutions on radicalization and extremism. Florian Chefai is the academic coordinator of the Hans Albert Institute and is responsible for press and public relations at the Giordano Bruno Foundation. His areas of expertise include ethics, legal philosophy, and the history of ideas. From 2015 to 2019, he was deputy editor-in-chief of the Humanist Press Service (hpd) and subsequently wrote for publications such as the philosophy magazine. He has supported several humanitarian projects and advised institutions on the topics of radicalization and extremism. Moderation: Eva Creutz Live chat and online discussion moderation: Katrin Wiesemann Livestream: Ricarda Hinz A joint event by DA! and the Hans Albert Institute Questions can be submitted via the YouTube chat during the discussion. (Privacy notice) Moderation: Eva Creutz Live chat and online discussion moderation: Katrin Wiesemann Livestream: Ricarda Hinz