LECTURE 1
13 November 2024 | 7 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Friedemann Schulz von Thun (Hamburg)
“A fulfilled life - How looking at your own life path contributes to this?”
“A fulfilled life” is the title of Friedemann Schulz von Thun's late work. In it, the experienced communication psychologist creates a kind of coordinate system for a successful life with references to his own biography. In his lecture, we will find out what role our wishes, meaningful tasks, our attitude to important events in our lives, our ability to wonder and find ourselves play in this.
The lecture will be held in German language. A translation into English will be provided on site.
If you participate via Zoom, the lecture will be transmitted in German.
Participation via Zoom
LECTURE 2
20 November 2024 | 7 p.m.
Dr. phil. Jill Philine Blau (ThHF)
"Commoning – Does sharing more lead to a better life?"
The concept of the commons is currently receiving increased attention both academically and politically. It is discussed as a transformative force that enables a different perspective on socio-ecological and socio-cultural structures beyond the market-state dichotomy. Far from this macro perspective, however, commons are usually very local, sophisticated social structures. Viewing natural resources as common goods/commons therefore entails a more holistic view of people and their environment. This lecture discusses how and in what form these are strongly linked to concepts of the good life and flourishing, and what potentials arise from this.
The lecture will be held in English language. A translation into German will be provided on site.
If you participate via Zoom, the lecture will be transmitted in German.
Participation via Zoom
LECTURE 3
27 November 2024 | 7 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Philipp Altmann (Universidad Central del Ecuador)
“Buen vivir - What we can learn about the good life from indigenous Latin American traditions.”
Does the economy always have to grow? Does good development always mean having and achieving more? Today's social and ecological challenges are prompting scientists and activists to question the dominance of the growth dogma. The concept of Buen Vivir (“Good Life” or “Living Well”) plays a special role in these debates, as it was developed in the context of indigenous movements in Latin America. The lecture shows how this concept is taken up and dealt with in the networks and positions of German growth critics in order to develop ideas of a good life.
The lecture will be held in German language. A translation into English will be provided on site.
If you participate via Zoom, the lecture will be transmitted in German.
Participation via Zoom
LECTURE 4
4 December 2024 | 7 p.m.
Prof. Stefan Höschele (ThHF)
“Flourishing - What do our images of the good life say about our morals?”
Concepts of a successful life can change - and yet they are similar: in changing metaphors, they express ideals that allow people to look beyond the ordinary. Such concepts of redemption can be found in abundance in religions, but also in personal goals, cultural core values and political formulas. Every ethics lives from a series of such ideas, each of which inspires us as an ensemble to describe our constant self-transformation, to shape the world and to work with others on corresponding projects. This lecture presents a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the idea of flourishing from the perspective of Christian ethics.
The lecture will be held in German language. A translation into English will be provided on site.
If you participate via Zoom, the lecture will be transmitted in German.
Participation via Zoom
LECTURE 5
11 December 2024 | 7 p.m.
Prof. Dr. theol. Miroslav Volf (Yale University)
"Self-transendence – How does the spiritual dimension contribute to flourishing?"
Prof. Miroslav Volf sees human life as being guided at the lowest level by habits (autopilot mode), at the next level by efficiency (strategic mode), followed by a personal vision (self-aware mode) and finally, at the highest level, by the truth outside of oneself (self-transcendence mode). Considering these perspectives, personal well-being and a flourishing life require a level of existentiality to produce tangible good life experiences and allow for a recognition of the spiritual dimensions of the human experience.
The lecture will be held in English language. A translation into German will be provided on site.
If you participate via Zoom, the lecture will be transmitted in German.
Participation via Zoom
