Friend Foundation Summer Seminar

The Friend Foundation Summer Seminar at the Institute of Philosophy of Justus Liebig University Giessen offers students a compact and international exchange format. Since the summer semester of 2017, the seminar has annually invited a renowned philosopher from the USA to discuss current research focuses in intensive block sessions. Funded by the Dr. Alex and Eva Friend Foundation, the program aims to promote scholarly discourse and strengthen networking between emerging philosophers and internationally recognized experts. Participation is open nationwide to enrolled students of philosophy at JLU Giessen as well as interested students from other universities.

The 2024 edition centers on the theme “Values, Science, Democracy”. From June 3 to 5, 2024, Heather Douglas (Michigan State University, member of the Socially Engaged Philosophers of Science) will provide insights into her research on the relationship between values and scientific expertise. A public lecture on the evening of June 4 will address trust in scientific expertise in pluralistic democracies. The events will take place in the historic Zeughaus (Senckenbergstraße 3, Room 139) and are designed as multi-day seminars. Participation requires prior registration with the institute; formal application presupposes enrollment in the philosophy program at JLU Giessen. Interested parties can obtain detailed information directly from the Institute of Philosophy.