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Humanism and Philosophy

Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today (completed)

  • Start: 1 October 2020
  • End: 1 March 2022
  • Status: completed

On Sunday 5 September 2021, the new exhibition Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today opened. This exhibition makes connections between contemporary events and historical developments and encourages reflection and discussion. It is an initiative of the Amsterdam Museum and the anniversary Humanistisch Verbond and runs until 27 February 2022. For 75 years, the Humanistisch Verbond has been committed to free-thinking and a democratic constitutional state in which people can live freely and equally.

Description

From innovators to rioters

What is a freethinker? There are many possible answers. The curators of the exhibition Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today see freethinkers as innovators, idealists, obstructionists, free spirits and activists. A freethinker looks beyond prevailing morals and conventions and creates space for new thoughts. But someone who is a freethinker to some is seen as a troublemaker by others.


The exhibition surveys four centuries of free spirits, from Baruch Spinoza (1632 - 1677) to the present day. And how tolerant are we actually to dissenting thinkers and doers? To what extent do we give space to another's opinion? Can you 'cancel' people for their opinions and does everyone deserve a stage? These are very topical questions. The exhibition challenges the visitor to take a position on this himself.


Researcher

Dr. Marieke van den Doel (curator)

Partners

(Co-)financing

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Amsterdam Museum and the Humanistisch Verbond and is co-sponsored by the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund, the Mondriaan Fund and the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie.


Results

  • Exhibition
  • Introduction film
  • Audio tour
  • Teaser
  • Website
  • Reviews in national newspapers
  • TV item HUMAN
  • TV item Salto / Amsterdam Museum

Also see

Amsterdam Museum

Vrijdenkers.nl

Contact

Dr. Marieke van den Doel, M.vandenDoel@UvH.nl.

On Sunday 5 September 2021, the exhibition Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today opened. It makes connections between contemporary events and historical developments and encourages reflection and discussion.