Enlightenment. On Knowledge and Ignorance in Philosophy and Public Discourse [in German]

Abstract

“Enlightenment” – both as a historical period and as an aspiration – is widely criticised. As the Age of Reason, the Enlightenment is suspected of having distorted that very reason in racist, sexist and Eurocentric ways. As an aspiration, enlightenment faces doubts regarding its legitimacy and effectiveness: is “enlightenment” not always tied to a problematic power imbalance between those who know and those who do not? And does “enlightenment” not presuppose an efficacy of knowledge that seems questionable in the face of a public sphere in which half-truths and blatant falsehoods reliably attract more attention?
The lecture draws on current reflections from political epistemology regarding the power of truth and the active production of non-knowledge, in order to examine how and under what conditions “enlightenment” remains a meaningful goal today. In doing so, it also explores the role that philosophy is called upon to play, particularly in its relationship with the public sphere.