The event in the LMU Senate Hall brought together leading figures from science, philosophy and politics. Bavaria’s Minister of Science, Markus Blume, addressed the philosopher’s life’s work in a personal greeting.
Bavaria’s Science Minister Blume honours bidt Director Professor Nida-Rümelin
In his speech, he emphasised Professor Nida-Rümelin’s unique contributions to the connection between philosophy, politics, science and social practice.
Whether as a brilliant academic, professor at the LMU, cultural advisor to the City of Munich, Minister of State for Culture in the Chancellery or currently as a member of the bidt Board of Directors, Julian Nida-Rümelin has left his mark. He does not shy away from debate and gets involved – always calmly and with impressive substance. He is always guided by a deep philosophical understanding that puts people at the center. This is another reason why Julian Nida-Rümelin is highly respected across all political parties: a professor of a special kind, a remarkable politician, a thinker of exceptional quality – world-class, in the past and today.
Markus Blume, Minister of State for Science and the Arts
Digital humanism – an approach to an AI-influenced world
Minister of State Blume also addressed Professor Nida-Rümelin’s efforts to achieve a digital transformation geared towards the common good: “His concept of digital humanism shows how we as humans can face up to an increasingly complex world that is increasingly determined by algorithms and AI. It is clear to me that we will continue to need Julian Nida-Rümelin’s clever mind in the future. Ad multos annos!”
As a thank-you, the jubilarian presented Minister of State Blume with a signed copy of “Introduction to Digital Humanism” (Springer 2024). Various other bidt employees are also involved in the book.
Research project
Professor Alexander Pretschner, Chairman of the bidt Board of Directors, added:
At the bidt, we want to make an insight-driven contribution to the common good and implement the values of humanism in reality. Mastering challenges such as generative AI requires a willingness to think critically and not be lazy in our thinking. And if anyone has a compass here, it is Julian Nida-Rümelin.
Prof. Dr. Alexander Pretschner To the profile
Courage for an open culture of debate
A leitmotif of the speeches was Professor Nida-Rümelin’s ability to provide ethical guidelines – even in times that challenge democracy. His courage to engage in critical debates was also emphasised – from cancel culture and migration issues to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, which he initiated as former Deputy Chairman of the German Ethics Council. “You defend the freedom of public discourse,” said Professor Hans van Ess, Vice President for Research at LMU Munich.
Professor Nida-Rümelin held the Chair of Philosophy and Political Theory there until 2020. He has been the founding director of the Berlin School of Humanities since 2021. He became a member of the bidt Board of Directors in 2018 and was politically active as Cultural Affairs Officer in Munich and as Minister of Culture in the first cabinet under Gerhard Schröder.
The extent to which political theory and democratic practice are interwoven for Professor Nida-Rümelin was illustrated by his keynote speech, which was commented on by his successor to the chair, Professor Laura Valentini. The subsequent scientific colloquium focussed on concepts of freedom, rationality and the ethics of AI. The symposium honoured Professor Nida-Rümelin as a pioneer whose work will continue to enrich public discourse.
© bidt/Diane von Schoen
