In the series Bucket List Philosophy each focuses on a classic of philosophy. Program is in Dutch.
On Monday, March 2, we will dive deeper into the life and work of German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas (b. 1929). Habermas is one of the most important thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries and belongs to the second generation of the Frankfurt School. His work focuses on the importance of a strong civil society central, with room for public debate. Indispensable for this is a well-functioning public sphere, in which we can openly challenge each other, but also seek mutual agreement.
During the evening program, we will discuss Habermas' thinking with philosopher Daan Roovers, among others. What do his ideas about public discourse still mean now that media have largely been replaced by social media platforms and are managed by big tech? Will Habermas's ideals survive digitization? In today's politically troubled times, space for public opinion formation is more important than ever, but how do we ensure critical public debate, where there is room for controversy but also for argument and constructive deliberation? At a time when many people feel unheard and democracy is under pressure, this is perhaps more important than ever.
Speakers
Daan Roovers
Former 'thinker of the Netherlands' Daan Roovers is lecturer in public philosophy (University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University), program maker (Rode Hoed, broadcaster Human) and author of such works as. We are politics (2019), People make (2017) and A small history of philosophy. She is a member of the "think tank Nederland 2040. Since 2023, she has been a member of the Senate on behalf of GroenLinks-PvdA. She also does academic research on the development of the concept of public opinion.
