Enlightenment Symposium

The Enlightenment was a multi-faceted socio-politico-philosophical enterprise that peaked in the 1700s and brought about all kinds of societal and political reforms. Many of its fundamental ideas still flourish and are constitutive of modern society. These ideas include – but are not limited to – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, individualism of citizens, egalitarianism, economic and political liberalism, and the more general idea of harnessing rational and well-informed thinking to the development of local, national and global community. At the same time, it may seem that many of these ideas are also being questioned today. Perhaps it is not too far-fetched to say that irrationality and thoughtlessness or even superstition-like attitudes are gaining ground. Does this mean that the ideals of the Enlightenment have come under threat?

The TIAS Enlightenment symposium brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to discuss these issues. The symposium is free to attend but requires registration. Please register at KONSTA before 20 April. Zoom-link will be provided upon registering for the event.

Programme

12.15   Hemmo Laiho (Philosophy): Opening remarks
12.30   Charlotta Wolff (Finnish history): Reason for a better future?
           Origins and fortunes of the Enlightenment
13.30   Samuli Rautava (Paediatrics and adolescent medicine):
           Medical ethics and patient autonomy in the context of
           mechanistic and evidence-based medicine
14.30   Break
14.45   Panel discussion: Enlightenment Now?
               Louis Clerc (Contemporary history)
               Charlotta Wolff (Finnish history),
               Mona Mannevuo (TIAS)
               Hemmo Laiho (Philosophy)
               Chair: Martin Cloonan (TIAS)
15.30   Closing

    Welcome!

    Organisers: Hemmo Laiho and Susanne Uusitalo