Introduction
The chair group Humanism and Philosophy examines what humanism means in current times, and what contributions a renewed humanism can make in polarized and crisis-ridden societies. The chair group has been led since 1 October 2023 by Professor Christoph Henning.
Humanism
For our research, we theoretically and empirically explore contemporary social practices from a humanist point of view and critically reconstruct the history of humanistic traditions (such as art, religion and philosophy). We are oriented towards building humane, pluralistic and sustainable societies in which all beings can lead flourishing and meaningful lives.
Research questions
In the coming years the chair group will focus on three interrelated topics:
- spelling out the impact and meaning of contemporary humanisms, both religious and secular, for pressing social, political and ecological problems,
- reconstructing the history of humanist philosophies in the 20th century in their global variety, including their relations to problems of the global ecological crisis, the postcolonial condition and inter-religious dialogue,
- re-reading the philosophy of humanism as a global critical theory.
View staff members of this group.
View research projects.