8th Dialog on Science from 14 to 16 of October of 2009

Violence in Human Society

We are confronted with multifaceted dimensions of human violence on a daily basis. For the most part, we get to know it through the media and, with less frequency, in our personal environment. No matter whether we are directly affected or we just observe it: Violence in its manifold expressions has caused enormous suffering for all affected persons.

The renowned brain researcher Prof. Gerhard Roth, University of Bremen, for example, will talk about the origins of violence. He will speak about his release hypothesis in the context of aggression and criminal violence. The Munich Professor H. Reichholf will explain evolutionary biological aspects of violence. And Prof. Harald Welzer from the University Witten/Herdecke will focus on the causes that favor violence. 
But also measures against violence will be addressed: Professor Manfred Cierpka from the University of Heidelberg will talk about possibilities to prevent violence at school and in families. Sister Lea Ackermann, SOLWODI Foundation, will share her experience in Africa regarding violence towards women. Political aspects, from escalation through to armed conflicts and wars, will be addressed by Angelo Gnaedinger, Director of ICRC Geneva, Prof. Pierre Allan from the University of Geneva, Thomas Greminger, Ambassador of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Prof. Kurt R. Spillmann

Intergenerational Dialog

As a novelty at the 8th Dialog on Science, future scientists will make critical reflections on the presentations and offer their own views. The resulting dialog will be carried out in an interdisciplinary and intergenerational way. The Academia Engelberg makes a valuable contribution to the sustainable dialog on basic values of society. The three days in Engelberg have the objective to make use of knowledge, to convey the knowledge and societal processes of change related to it and to develop new visions and concepts to deal with human violence.

Bridge between Science and Society

Fundamental scientific findings are likely to meet strong reservations and encounter mistrust among the general public. Academia Engelberg (www.academia-engelberg.ch) contributes its share to the creation of a new foundation of trust through interdisciplinary dialogue between the scientific community and the general public. Every autumn, personalities from science, industry, culture, politics and society meet in Engelberg, Switzerland. In addition to this, projects are carried out and follow-up events are organized as results of the conference.

14 to 16 of October 2009, 8th Dialog on Science of Academia Engelberg in Engelberg, Canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. For further information www.academia-engelberg.ch -> Conferences -> Conference 2009