The crisis of truth

Science in the post-factual age

Lecture with discussion

Science seeks knowledge and truth – but what happens when political power does not care about facts and not only ignores them, but denies and even deliberately falsifies them? Based on current developments in the USA, the tensions between science and politics are first examined.
The central question, however, is: What is science actually? How does it work, where does it reach its limits – and why is it indispensable?
Historical examples such as the theory of evolution or the fight for women’s studies show how contested scientific knowledge often was – and still is.
The aim of the lecture is to take a reflective look at the nature of science, to awaken a desire for science and facts and to discuss together what role science has today and how it can show itself in society.

from the series: Science and the idea of truth

Speaker:
Dr. Joachim Hamberger, Lecturer TUM and HSWT