Lecture | Autonomy and Self-Knowledge | Beate Rössler

In a world filled with social expectations and interdependencies, the ability to live autonomously—on our own terms—is both a profound challenge and a vital aspiration. Inner obstacles, societal pressures, and the constant influence of others stand in the way of true self-determination. Privacy, too, plays a crucial role, creating the space we need to reflect and act freely. At the heart of autonomy lies self-knowledge: understanding who we are and what we truly value. But what does autonomy look like in today’s digital and interconnected world, where boundaries between self and society are increasingly blurred? In this thought-provoking lecture, philosopher Beate Rössler examines today’s complexities and possibilities of living autonomously. Speaker Prof. Beate Rössler, Professor of Ethics, University of Amsterdam This lecture is organised in the context of the Dutch Month of Philosophy (Maand van de Filosofie), the theme of which is Know Ourselves (Ken onszelve).