Intervention, Unlearning, (Post-)Critique: The Humanities at a Crossroads

Panel with Birgit M. Kaiser (Utrecht University), Daniel Loick (University of Amsterdam), and Kathrin Thiele (Utrecht University)
Chair: Katrin Trüstedt (ZfL)

In this evening panel, we will discuss the role of the humanities in the formation of counterworlds and counter-communities. How are particular theories related to practical interventions? What possible counterworlds emerge as a result of the in- and exclusions of academic institutions themselves? We will explore the role intellectual criticism can take following the declaration of the end of critique, sometimes under the keyword of post-critique: Must a critique that is perceived as negative be overcome to produce positive counterworlds? Or is a criticism of the status quo necessary to even conceive of other possibilities? Would humanities scholars have to become engaged participants who distance themselves in favor of critical reflection, unlearn their methods and assumptions, or even strive to abolish the university itself?

The event is part of the Annual Conference at the ZfL Counterworlds. Intervention and Escapism in Times of Turmoil.

With the kind support of the Department of Cultural History and Theory at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Fig. above: © Nicola Chodan