9th Dialog on Science from 13 to 15 of October of 2010

Challenging Democracy

In the Western World, democracy is regarded as the only valid form of government. The inclusion of the people justifies the cor-rectness of the system. But is this really true?

Is democracy the ideal form of government to face the variety of problems society is confronted with? Is it not often the case that “democratic” decisions hinder scientific innovations and, in the end, also the development of science and society? Decisions regarding genetic testing or stemcell research call for our attention. The Ninth Dialogue on Science of the Academia Engelberg Foundation which will be held from 13 to 15 of October 2010 will try to get to the bottom of this prevailing conception of democracy.

Influence of decision-making processes

What requirements are necessary so citizens are able and want to make use of their rights? What is the essence of direct and applied democracy? What kind of role does the media play in decision-making? And how are decision-making processes influenced by an increasingly globalized world? Renowned scientists such as Prof. Kriesi, University of Zurich, Prof. Arthur Lupia, University of Michigan, or Francis Cheneval, Free University of Brussels, and many others will present their considerations. In an interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue, roughly 130 personalities from the spheres of science, industry, culture, politics and society will discuss the issues.

13 to 15.of October 2010, Ninth Dialog on Science of Academia Engelberg/Canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. For further information www.academia-engelberg.ch -> Conferences -> Conference 2010

Bridge between Science and Society

Fundamental scientific findings are likely to meet strong reservations and encounter mistrust among the general public. The Academia Engelberg Foundation (www.academia-engelberg.ch) contributes its share to the crea-tion 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.

13 to 15 of October 2010, 9th Dialog on Science of Academia Engelberg in Engelberg, Canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. For further information www.academia-engelberg.ch -> Conferences -> Conference 2010