“The almost insoluble task consists of refusing to allow oneself to be rendered dumb, either by the power of others or by one's own powerlessness.” (Theodor W. Adorno)
In the contemporary era, knowledge is subject to a variety of threats, emanating not only from conspiracy theorists but also from autocratic governments and religious fundamentalists worldwide. The deliberate distortion of truth and history is not a contemporary phenomenon; it has accompanied humanity since the advent of the written word. Throughout history, there have been repeated instances of the intentional destruction of books and libraries as instruments of control over thought and collective memory. Examples of such practices include the destruction of the Library of Alexandria, the censorship of texts by various religious institutions, and the book burnings perpetrated by the National Socialists.
The colloquium Stop Burning Books! will address the subjects of knowledge destruction and the criminalization of the social sciences in what could be termed a "New Age of Fahrenheit 451." We will discuss what forms the destruction of knowledge has taken, from the attacks on public education, to the blurring of "lies" and "truth" in political discourses, to the assault on intellectuals as well as book knowledge.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Maria do Mar Castro Varela, castrovarela@posteo.de
Everyone is cordially invited!
