Corina Strößner (University of Greifswald), Georg Brun (University of Bern))
Much of what is today known as analytic philosophy has its roots in logical empiricism, in particular in the Vienna Circle, the Unity of Science Movement, and its associated researchers. These persons worked in a challenging political climate, shaped by the past World War, inspired by hopes for scientific and social progress on the one hand and haunted by the rise and eventual seizure of power by fascism. The assessment of the political significance of this philosophical movement within the German-speaking world was strongly influenced by critical theory, particularly Horkheimer, who accuses the positivist movement of separating science and philosophy from political questions. On the other hand, key figures in logical empiricism were politically highly active (particularly Otto Neurath) and were particularly vulnerable to political developments, falling victim to fascism (such as Janina Hosiasson). Today, almost a century later, we are witnessing a resurgence of authoritarian political forces, an increase in armed conflicts, an erosion of human rights, a range of crises, and a large-scale ecological collapse. Within the workshop, we reflect on the social and political dimensions of logical empiricism, recognize its achievements in a difficult historical environment, and critically discuss its political significance for our current situation.
Schedule
| 15:50 | Corina Strößner: Between political activism and academia: What is the legacy of logical empiricism today? |
| 16:20 | Ádám Tamás Tuboly: The weight of evidence and social engagement in the Vienna Circle |
| 17:15 | Coffee Break |
| 17:30 | Ljudmila Weller: Two models of epistemic negativity: Rereading Popper and Adorno through the Wiener Kreis |
| 18:05 | Silke Körber Scientific Utopianism and Humanism: Engineering postwar democracies |
| 19:00 | Discussion |
| 19:30 | End |
Time: 3rd of September, 15:50 – 19:30
Location: SR 1.006
SOPhiA 2026 