Hannah Arendt Days 2025 to Tackle Disinformation and the Future of Journalism
A major panel discussion hosted by heise online will explore the critical intersection of media responsibility, fake news, and the enduring relevance of Hannah Arendt’s political philosophy.
heise online, a leading German technology news publication, will host its fifth annual Hannah Arendt Days event on October 10th, focusing on the challenges facing journalism in the digital age. The event, centered around the theme “Power vs. Violence,” will examine the mechanisms of abuse of power and the consequences of a fractured public sphere.
Moderator milena Neumes anticipates “an open discussion with various impulses on how journalism can reassert its democratic role in times of social media, fake news, and a digital society.” The panel will feature prominent journalists and media researchers, including Dr. Justus von Daniels, Editor-in-Chief of the CORRECTIV research center, who noted that Hannah Arendt’s Vita activa profoundly influenced his thinking, notably “her idea of how dialog can arise from research.”
Ann-Katrin Müller, a political editor at SPIEGEL, emphasized Arendt’s prescience, stating, “Arendt was an excellent analyst of the causes of totalitarian systems. We can learn from her that the loss of empathy is the harbinger of barbarism.” Dr. Pablo Jost, a dialogue scientist at the University of Mainz, added that Arendt’s work highlights the crucial link between a vibrant public sphere and a healthy democracy, warning that democracy is “threatened where people retreat into fear or thoughtlessness.”
The event underscores the growing urgency to address the challenges posed by the digital transformation of details dissemination. According to Beate Gerold, Managing Director of heise medien, “The digital transformation presents journalism with enormous tasks. we have to find ways to ensure quality and fact-checking in a world in which anyone can become an information disseminator.”
heise’s continued support for the Hannah Arendt Days reflects a commitment to Arendt’s call for responsibility and the importance of considering diverse perspectives. The Hannah Arendt Days 2025 will extend beyond the October 10th panel,encompassing a full week of readings,lectures,and debates,all open to the public with prior registration. the complete program schedule is available online. The event series receives sponsorship from the Volkswagen Foundation and heise online.
This discussion serves as a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of Hannah Arendt’s insights in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Why is this event happening? The Hannah Arendt Days 2025, hosted by heise online, is being held to address the increasing challenges to journalism and democracy posed by the digital age, specifically focusing on disinformation and the abuse of power. The event aims to explore how journalism can maintain its democratic role amidst social media and fake news.
Who is involved? The event will feature a panel of prominent journalists and media researchers, including Milena Neumes (moderator), Dr. Justus von daniels (CORRECTIV), and Ann-Katrin Müller (SPIEGEL), along with Dr. Pablo Jost (University of mainz) and Beate Gerold (heise medien). The event is sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation and heise online.
What is the focus of the discussion? The central theme is “Power vs. violence,” examining the mechanisms of power abuse and the consequences of a fragmented public sphere. Discussions will center on Arendt’s political philosophy, particularly her insights into totalitarianism, empathy, and the importance of a vibrant public sphere.
How will the event unfold? The event begins with a major panel discussion on October 10th. It will
