Lecture series

Light and Darkness

The concepts of «light» and «darkness» have deep roots in human culture, philosophy, and religion. They embody both physical phenomena and symbols of fundamental human dualities such as insight and ignorance, order and chaos, life and death.

On a scientific level, light is an essential source of energy which makes life on earth possible and forms the basis of multiple technological and medical applications. These developments – such as artificial light or optogenetic research – demonstrate how light has become an instrument of progress. In areas of social and cultural studies, light is closely connected to religious practices, e.g. as symbol of divine illumination or even as the representation of enlightenment.

Darkness is often understood as the absence of light, but darkness plays an essential role in natural rhythms and in our well-being and health. Darkness may have negative connotations and is associated with danger, depression, and uncertainty. Darkness, however, also holds transformative powers – whether in its impact on the human psyche or in its symbolic capacity in art and architecture. Darkness is the necessary counterpart to light and creates space for reflection, intimacy, and the unconscious.

The lecture series «Light and Darkness» illustrates diverse aspects of both concepts and shows how they are deeply intertwined with human experience and knowledge.

Light and Darkness

The concepts of «light» and «darkness» have deep roots in human culture, philosophy, and religion. They embody both physical phenomena and symbols of fundamental human dualities such as insight and ignorance, order and chaos, life and death.

On a scientific level, light is an essential source of energy which makes life on earth possible and forms the basis of multiple technological and medical applications. These developments – such as artificial light or optogenetic research – demonstrate how light has become an instrument of progress. In areas of social and cultural studies, light is closely connected to religious practices, e.g. as symbol of divine illumination or even as the representation of enlightenment.

Darkness is often understood as the absence of light, but darkness plays an essential role in natural rhythms and in our well-being and health. Darkness may have negative connotations and is associated with danger, depression, and uncertainty. Darkness, however, also holds transformative powers – whether in its impact on the human psyche or in its symbolic capacity in art and architecture. Darkness is the necessary counterpart to light and creates space for reflection, intimacy, and the unconscious.

The lecture series «Light and Darkness» illustrates diverse aspects of both concepts and shows how they are deeply intertwined with human experience and knowledge.

For program details, please see the German page.