What can we agree on?
How do democracies make binding decisions today when facts and opinions are becoming increasingly mixed? When trust in institutions and players that have long been regarded as a reliable guide is dwindling? Discuss with guests from the judiciary, academia and the media how truth can be negotiated in the future and what underpins democratic societies.
Image gallery
Prof. Dr. Dr. Susanne Baer ©Henning Baier / Robin Alexander ©Nikita Teryoshin / Yasmine M'Barek ©Leonie Braun / Prof. Dr. Peter Strohschneider ©Andr_Redlich
In our democracy, there are different concepts of truth: Courts make binding decisions in favour of the truth. Science strives for truth – which is why its findings can be refuted or modified at any time by new knowledge. And the media look at competing truth claims, weigh them up and interpret them. It is not new that truth is controversial. What is new is that previously respected institutions and procedures are no longer recognised by parts of society. Scientific findings are doubted, court judgements are publicly questioned. At the same time, the shared public sphere is disintegrating due to digital and social media. New public spheres are emerging in which supposed majorities are creating their own facts and alternative truths.
Discuss this key issue for the future of democratic societies with our guests: How are opinions formed and decisions made democratically when institutions and procedures that have long provided orientation and reliability lose their authority? How can discourses on truth be linked to common foundations that enable democratic action? What role will the judiciary, academia and the media – but also new players and digital public spheres – play in the negotiation of truth in the future?
Guests
-> Robin Alexander, Journalist, Author und Podcaster „Machtwechsel“
-> Prof. Dr. Peter Strohschneider, Professor emeritus of Literary Studies at LMU Munich, former President of the German Research Foundation, and former Chair of the Future Commission on Agriculture
-> Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Susanne Baer, LL.M., Professor at Humboldt University of Berlin and Former Judge of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany.
Moderation
-> Yasmine M’Barek, Journalist DIE ZEIT
Information
-> Venue: Forecourt, Foyer, Forum, Studio, Lab, Exhibition, Workshop area in the Lab
-> Admission: € 8 reduced price € 4
-> A ticket is required.
-> Remaining tickets will be available at the box office.
-> Event language: German, German Sign Language
-> Interested visitors of all ages are welcome. We recommend participation for those aged 16 or over.
-> The event will be recorded and will be available as a video on our YouTube channel afterwards
Additional information
Accessibility
Accessibility
-> An induction loop system is available.
-> Interpretation into German Sign Language (DGS)
-> People with visual impairments are welcome. Guided tour assistance is available upon request.
-> Seats will be left empty if you wish to sit close to the stage due to visual impairment.
-> Wheelchair-accessible venue.
-> Seats without seating are available for wheelchair users.
-> Participation requirements: no prior knowledge necessary
-> Drinks and food can be purchased at the Futurium Restaurant before 6:00 PM.
The future is for everyone! Futurium strives to be accessible to all. If you have any further accessibility needs, please let us know. We will try to accommodate them: info@futurium.de
You can find all information about accessibility here.
-> An induction loop system is available.
-> Interpretation into German Sign Language (DGS)
-> People with visual impairments are welcome. Guided tour assistance is available upon request.
-> Seats will be left empty if you wish to sit close to the stage due to visual impairment.
-> Wheelchair-accessible venue.
-> Seats without seating are available for wheelchair users.
-> Participation requirements: no prior knowledge necessary
-> Drinks and food can be purchased at the Futurium Restaurant before 6:00 PM.
The future is for everyone! Futurium strives to be accessible to all. If you have any further accessibility needs, please let us know. We will try to accommodate them: info@futurium.de
You can find all information about accessibility here.
Dates
April 2026
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