A very general statement about the role of the humanities in present-day societies might run as follows: The humanities that have a special role to play in the critical and constructive analysis of the normative core of modern societies in an increasingly globalizing world. Such a program directly raises a number of questions that will be addressed during this workshop by focusing, on the one hand, on the possibilities and challenges involved in intercultural hermeneutics,with experts from China, Europe and the United States, and in an open discussion on the “humanities of the future”. The aim of the workshop is to explore possibilities of developing a systematic viewpoint on the nature and role of the humanities in the 21^stcentury, and examine the hermeneutic conditions under which insights and orientations of different cultural traditions can be placed in dialogue in a manner that contributes positively to our abilities to understand and orient ourselves in the modern world.

This workshop will take the form of a round table discussion, where each round two pitches of approximately 15 minutes each will be followed by open, plenary discussion. The first two rounds inquire into the nature of the humanities and its central methods and concepts, the second set focuses on the ways in which different cultural traditions can play a (hermeneutically conducive or adverse) role therein.

For the more detailed program, see below. While participation is free, places are limited and registration is required. To register please send an E-Mail to Dascha During: d.k.during@uu.nl