Wahrheit im Wandel

When (scientific) “truths” change, certainties begin to waver—and this is precisely where the event organized by the Young Research Group of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Arts comes in. Under the title “Truth in Flux,” the Young College explores how knowledge develops, is corrected, or is reevaluated over time, and what dynamics shape the concept of “truth” in the process.

The Young College, in collaboration with the universities’ sustainability initiative, Humboldtⁿ, invites you to this event.

Science thrives on change: New data, methods, and perspectives lead to supposedly established findings being reexamined and, at times, revised. But how are these changes communicated? What strategies exist for conveying uncertainty as an integral part of scientific practice? And how can trust be maintained when statements change?

Under the title “Truth in Flux,” the Young College, in collaboration withHumboldtⁿ, explores how findings develop, are corrected, or are reevaluated over time.

In addition to the scientific perspective, the event also turns its attention to art and society. How do artistic formats—such as documentary film—deal with the claim to truth? What does “truth” mean in a context shaped by interpretation, narration, and subjective perspective?

The event invites participants to question familiar notions and to engage with the productive tension between certainty and doubt—at the intersection of science, art, and public communication.

Program

BLOCK I – Interdisciplinary Tour
on the topic of “truth” with fascinating perspectives from mathematics, literary studies, physics, and documentary film

BLOCK II – Insights from Science and Art

Prof. Dr. Anna Leuschner, University of Wuppertal
Keynote Lecture on “Truth and Science Denial: Understanding Scientific Uncertainty Using Climate Research as an Example”

Excerpt from “Memory Wars”
Documentary film about the scientist and forensic psychologist Elizabeth Loftus, who explores the limits of memory

BLOCK III – “Magic Roundtable” on the topic “Truth in Science and Art”

Hendrik Boldt, science journalist at the Science Media Center, Cologne

Prof. Dr. Detlef Fetchenhauer, Chair of Economic and Social Psychology at the University of Cologne

Prof. Dr. Anna Leuschner, University of Wuppertal

Hendrik Löbbert, director of the film “Memory Wars”

Following the event, you are cordially invited to a reception and discussion.

Please let us know by email atanmeldung@awk.nrw.dewhether you will be attending the event.

For more information about our institution and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.awk.nrw.de

You can now also find our Class of the Arts on Instagram: @awk_nrw_klasse_k