Science and democratic decline | Marcia Luyten

Our democracy is under pressure. The judiciary, science and the free press are the pillars of our democracy and are increasingly the targets of undemocratic forces. What can we do?

Democracy does not hold absolute truth, argues Marcia Luyten. Only a dictatorship claims absolute truth, and it is precisely this that makes democracy vulnerable. Social media amplifies conspiracy theorists, false balance in the media undermines the credibility of scientists and the social status of academics is declining. The dismantling of scientific truth is not a side effect but rather a symptom of democratic decline.

Marcia Luyten reflects on the three pillars of democracy and how they reinforce and influence one another. Can a university remain a free space for fundamental research in a world where truth and sovereignty are coming under increasing pressure? The greatest discoveries are made by accident and precisely this freedom must be protected.

Organised in collaboration with .

16.00 – 16.30 Lecture
16.30 – 16.50 Discussion with moderator
16.50 – 17.00 Q & A with the audience
17.00 – 17.45 Drinks

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Host or Publisher Studium Generale TU Delft