Future in crisis: Blom discusses the values ​​of the Enlightenment

Future in crisis: Blom discusses the values ​​of the Enlightenment

An exciting event at the FALTER Arena took place in Vienna on June 5, 2025, where everything revolved around the future of Enlightenment values. Historian, author and philosopher Philipp Blom took the audience on a solid journey through the topics of democracy, human rights and evidence-based thinking. The explosive question was whether these values ​​from the 18th century are still able to prevent the return of authoritarian structures today. Loud BUTTERFLY Blom highlighted the parallels between the upheaval of the post-war order and the challenges of today.

The Enlightenment, a crucial era of the 17th and 18th centuries, united reason, science and individual freedom. These ideals are of great importance and formed the foundation for modern democracies, such as my-learning.at underlined. Enlightenment thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and John Locke demanded the right to freedom and equality for all people. The successes and failures of these values ​​are still noticeable today and will also be discussed at the next FALTER Arena on September 11, 2025, where Michael Häupl and Christian Konrad, among others, will take part.

The cornerstones of the Enlightenment

At the heart of Enlightenment principles is the belief in progress through knowledge and education. As in the Wikipedia As can be read, this era not only brought social reforms, but also lasting change through the pursuit of individual freedom and self-determination. Calls for the separation of church and state began during this period, with thinkers such as Voltaire arguing vehemently against the influence of religious institutions on politics and education.

The idea that every person deserves equality regardless of origin, class or religion also flourished. Philosophies that originated in the Enlightenment, such as the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen” during the French Revolution, called for the abolition of privileges and the establishment of universal human rights.

Focus on progress and education

Another aspect of the Enlightenment was the belief in progress through science and education. Ideas from thinkers such as John Locke and Rousseau advocated for the promotion of independent thought and led to wider access to education. Schools and universities were founded to make knowledge available to everyone. Olympe de Gouges also fought for women's rights and thereby drew attention to the unrealization of many Enlightenment ideas.

These considerations are still crucial, especially when one considers the recent social upheavals. Blom sounds the alarm and asks whether belief in the values ​​of the Enlightenment remains congruent with reality in our time. The dialogue on these issues must continue to do justice not only to the past but also to the future.