Korbinians Kolleg

Recording of the lecture on October 18, 2024

Review of the evening lecture with Dr. Erich Vad Brigadegeneral A.D.

The lecture deals with the current geopolitical challenges and the security situation in Europe, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine and global tensions. Dr. Erich Vad Brigadegeneral warns of the risks of military escalation, but emphasizes the need to also seek political solutions to prevent major wars. He advocates a balanced foreign policy that includes both military strength and diplomatic dialog in order to maintain national security in an increasingly multipolar world without getting caught up in a global conflict.

Recording of the lecture on February 27, 2026

Review of the lecture evening with Jana Ringwald

Jana Ringwald’s lecture examines cybercrime as the digital evolution of a fundamental human phenomenon and demonstrates how technological developments have massively expanded the scope of action available to perpetrators. In particular, ‘remote’ access is leading to a paradigm shift in the relationship between criminals and law enforcement.

The focus is on the question of whether traditional state structures are still sufficiently effective, given that many affected companies are reluctant to contact law enforcement. Ringwald advocates a shift towards international cooperation, new structures and realistic approaches in order to effectively tackle the global ‘underground economy’.

Recording of the lecture on January 23, 2026

Review of the lecture evening with Dr. Maria Furtwängler

The lecture evening focused on the pressing question of how prosperity and security must be rethought in an era of increasing ecological instability. Dr Maria Furtwängler explained that the current debate on nature conservation should be understood not merely as a niche ecological issue, but rather as a matter of fundamental systemic importance that directly determines our economic sustainability.

At the heart of her remarks was a nuanced examination of the interdependence of the economy and the biosphere. Dr Furtwängler explained that healthy soils and functioning water cycles are not merely the backdrop to our lives, but represent the essential prerequisites for food, health and innovation. In doing so, she critically questioned the inadequacy of existing indicators of prosperity and called for a new alliance that views ecological responsibility not as a hindrance, but as a necessary driver of economic strength.

Recording of the lecture on December 12, 2025

Review of the lecture evening with Prof. Dr. Vincent C. Müller

The lecture evening was devoted to the fundamental question of what “artificial intelligence” actually means and what expectations the term itself evokes. Prof. Dr. Vincent C. Müller showed that the current AI debate is less influenced by specific technical processes than by the meaning attached to the term “artificial intelligence,” which goes far beyond classic concepts such as pattern recognition or computer-assisted language analysis.

The lecture focused on a differentiated examination of the terms “artificial” and “intelligence.” Prof. Dr. Müller explained the philosophical, technical, and ethical requirements that would have to be met in order to speak of true intelligence at the machine level. In doing so, he critically questioned whether current or foreseeable AI systems actually meet this requirement.

Recording of the lecture on November 21, 2025

Review of the evening lecture with Prof. Armin Nassehi

On November 21, 2025, Korbinians Kolleg addressed one of the most topical and fundamental issues of our time: the dissolution of the traditional boundary between nature and culture. In his lecture “Three Scenes on the Artificiality of the Natural,” Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi showed how technical, biomedical, and digital developments are shaking up our familiar categories. In three impressive scenes – each from a different field – Nassehi made it clear that not only our concepts, but also the underlying systems of order are shifting. Where nature was once considered immutable and culture malleable, hybrid forms are now replacing the old certainties. The supposed dividing line is blurring – and with it our understanding of what “natural” actually means.

Recording of the lecture on October 17, 2025

Review of the lecture evening with Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Vossenkuhl

On 17 October 2025, Prof. Dr Wilhelm Vossenkuhl opened the 2025/26 winter term at the Korbinians Kolleg at the Spa & Resort Bachmair Weissach with a philosophical lecture on ‘Truth in the Arts and How We Can Understand It’.

In his speech, Vossenkuhl impressively demonstrated how art – free from scientific or legal constraints – can reveal truths that would otherwise remain hidden from us. Drawing on examples from painting and current research, such as the influence of economic developments on art since the 15th century, he linked classical philosophy with modern research approaches.

An inspiring evening that highlighted how art not only reveals beauty, but also opens up new perspectives on our world.

PROF. DR. RUUD KOOPMANS

Why Immigration to Europe Is Neither Humanely Just Nor Economically Efficient – And What Needs to Change

Lecture on 21 March 2025

For demographic and economic reasons, the countries of the European Union – especially Germany – need significant immigration. As a relatively wealthy continent with historical responsibilities, Europe also has the humanitarian duty to contribute to alleviating the suffering of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. While Europe and Germany are indeed major destinations for immigration, this process largely occurs in an uncontrolled manner and is marked by significant fluctuations, making successful integration more difficult. Moreover, the composition of this immigration is neither fair nor aligned with labor market demands.

PROF. DR. CHRISTOPH SAFFERLING

Syria, Ukraine, Gaza: International Law and Modern Warfare Today

Lecture on 14 February 2025

In the past ten years, armed conflicts around the world have significantly increased, with international law playing a crucial role. Legal proceedings are being initiated before the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court is gaining jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes, and national courts are also bringing war criminals to justice. There is not only an arrest warrant for the current President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, but also Germany must defend itself in court against accusations of aiding genocide. What are the differences between these cases, and what significance do these legal disputes hold for war and peace? What role does Germany play, and why is the history of the 20th century particularly relevant in this context?

DR. RALF WINTERGERST

Cybersecurity: The Dark Side of Technological Progress

Lecture on 31 January 2025

The question of how we can still keep pace with the speed of technological revolutions has many answers and aspects, but much remains unanswered. The ever-widening gap between societies, countries, and companies that master digital technologies and those dependent on them grows daily. And ultimately: How do we, as people, citizens, and users of digital technologies, deal with the dark sides of these technological conveniences? What impact does Artificial Intelligence have on the digital world?

The lecture offers insights and outlooks into the digital world, the threat posed by cyberattacks, and the influence of Artificial Intelligence on our digital infrastructures. The question is, what can we do ourselves to protect ourselves in the digital world?

PROF. DR. DR. H.C. CLEMENS FUEST

How Can Germany Secure Economic Prosperity in the Future?

Lecture on 13 December 2024

The German economy is facing significant challenges. Demographic change, climate change, and the digitalization of the economy have been issues for business and politics for some time. Current crises have added geopolitical tensions, protectionism, energy supply shortages, and growing defense burdens. Where does Germany stand in addressing these challenges, and what needs to be done to secure economic prosperity under these conditions? These questions are at the core of the lecture.

Prof. Dr. Astrid Séville

Heroism in Liberal Democracy – A Delicate Idea?

Lecture on 15 November 2024

Critics and enemies of liberal democracy repeatedly disparage it, accusing it of softness and decadence. Western societies, they say, are no longer willing to make sacrifices, and they lack a concept of nation, honor, or heroism. Beyond these politically motivated slanders, there are academic descriptions of “post-heroic societies” where the military, military service, and the willingness to fight have become questionable, and where the narrative of progress is dominated by peaceful conflict resolution.

Now, the geopolitical landscape is marked by conflicts and wars in which pacifist, liberal-egalitarian forces clash with heroic, aggressive-authoritarian ones. Do liberal-democratic societies need to return to an ideal of readiness to fight and sacrifice in order to defend themselves and their values? How can something like a “re-heroization” be conceived? This lecture explores these questions and presents reflections on the delicate idea of a new heroism.

Dr. Erich Vad Brigadegeneral a. D.

Deterring or Terrifying? Europe without Security

Lecture on 18 October 2024

What does the South China Sea have to do with the Crimean Peninsula? Are the USA still our friend and ally? Speaking of which: Under which flag is Europe fighting? Dr. Erich Vad, retired Brigadier General and military policy advisor to former Chancellor Angela Merkel, provides answers: Europe needs sustainable security. And that doesn't come by itself but only if we work for it; hopefully, it also comes from Germany. Because if we want to preserve the life we know and our freedom, we need to understand and act in our own – both German and European – interests. This makes us a nation and a continent that has the strength and influence to find and implement solutions.

Erich Vad outlines ways to prevent wars and secure peace through credible military deterrence, defense capabilities, and diplomacy.

SILVIA BINGGELI

People and there stories never go out of fashion.

Lecture on 9 February 2024

How do you convince important Swiss personalities from show, culture and sports business to invite a team of journalists and photographers to their homes and reveal personal information about themselves? That, togehter with a powerful team, is my job as editior-in-chief of the Swiss People Magazine.

I illustrate the stumbling blocks we have to overcome in the editorial office when dealing with celebrities and why listening is severly underestimated in our society with episodes from my everyday professional life and encounters with national and international stars. 

PROF. DR. THOMAS MEYER

The return of history: On the contemporary handling of the German past

Lecture on 26 January 2024

The debates about colonialism and racism in the 19th century have led to reassessments of National Socialism. The "uniqueness" of the Shoah, long a fixed component of German state rationale, is discarded and embedded in the context of a history of violence of the "long 20th century."

PROF. DR. ELIF ÖZMEN

Academic freedom: Clarifying a disputed concept

Lecture on 15 December 2023

The freedom of science is closely linked to the history of modern understanding of knowledge, but also to Enlightenment expectations associated with the right to freedom of expression. However, little of these expectations and hopes can be felt when, in times of pandemic or climate crisis, the relationship between science and democratic politics is controversially discussed.

Christiane zu Salm

Being human in the 21st century - is that still possible?

Lecture on 24 November 2023

It seems that the speed of technological progress, the societal change and the global change has never been greater than today. Humanity is facing new tests.

The lecture explores the question of whether it is still possible to be human in the 21st century and what factors shape and threaten this humanity.

Prof. Dr. med. Josef Aldenhoff

Does the soul age? And what can be done about it?

Lecture on 27 October 2023

Ageing is the great challenge in our lives. Even though the problems of aging are well known, we act as if they don't apply to us personally. We usually associate aging with the physical. However, from a psychiatrist's perspective, it is the soul that truly defines us as humans.

PROF. DR. MONIKA SCHNITZER

A turning point in economic policy?

Lecture on 24 March 2023

After the pandemic, the energy crisis presented Germany with the next big challenge. Inflation has risen to its highest level since the 1950s. How long will inflation last? Has the state taken the right measures to deal with the increased energy prices? Is there a threat of de-industrialization in Germany as a result of the increased energy prices? Do we have to reconsider our foreign trade relations and supply chains in view of the changed geopolitical situation? These issues are of great importance for the country's prosperity and future economic development.

SPECIAL: KORBINIAN KOHLER IN AN INTERVIEW WITH FORMER FEDERAL PRESIDENT CHRISTIAN WULFF

In this interview, Korbinian Kohler and former Federal President Christian Wulff discuss, among other things, the topic of crises and how to manage them. They talk about the opportunities that setbacks bring and the faith that sustained Christian Wulff during his tenure as Federal President. Through his wide-ranging civic, professional and international engagement, Christian Wulff shares his experiences and witnesses how people develop their own strength and, at times, regain it.

BUNDESPRÄSIDENT A.D. CHRISTIAN WULFF

Winning in defeat

Lecture on 10 February 2023

“One of the essential characteristics of democracy is that you can choose, you can win and you can lose. I don't want to overdo it, they all want to go home, but I've actually always learned more from defeats than from victories. And when I tell you that my appointment as Prime Minister was only successful at the third attempt after nine years, then it becomes clear that the Federal Assembly today was relatively short.”

PHILIPPA SIGL-GLÖCKNER

The state as crisis manager

Lecture on 13 January 2023

The state plays a special role in economic crises. As the only one involved, he can cushion existential risks, keep companies alive, shape international trade relations at the political level and change the rules of the market with regulatory law.

The lecture examines how the German Federal Government can act as a crisis manager for the economy that is both capable of taking action and democratically legitimate, and where the limits of such a role lie. 

PROF. DR. ARMIN NASSEH

Multiple crises

Lecture on 2 December 2022

We must seriously ask whether the approaches to crisis management used to date can continue to hold up, or whether new ways of thinking are needed to tackle them. The lecture will explore how a more precise understanding of the structure of modern societies can point the way towards better crisis management. At the same time, it will venture a decidedly optimistic outlook, as the necessary concepts are certainly already in place.  

DR. MED. HEIKE MELZER

Disinhibited times

Lecture on 18 November 2022

As a neurologist and psychotherapist, Dr. Every day in her practice, Melzer examines the effects of increasing global, social and individual drive elimination. They show themselves in the form of compulsive and addictive behavior, brutalization, fear and an increasing lack of stability and excess, especially in the areas of sexuality, nutrition, consumption and entertainment. Her clinical observations over many years coincide with the latest findings in neuroscience, which blame an increasing metabolic disorder in the brain. 
 

PROF. DR. KARSTEN FISCHER

The Power of Observation

Lecture on 21 October 2022

How political crises arise and can be avoided
Financial crisis, migration crisis, pandemic crisis, peace crisis, economic crisis, climate crisis - apparently we can't get any rest. But what is a crisis anyway? If we think historically, people have already shown very different forms of crisis awareness.

PROF. DR. EDGAR GRANDE

What are the consequences of the corona pandemic on German politics?

Lecture on 15 October 2021

Professor Grande will present the results of his research prior and following the election in Germany on 26 September 2021. A discussion group of state parliament representatives has invited him to refer on the same topic. He will not only focus on the election, but also on the overriding questions that are arising in the aftermath of the impact of the corona pandemic on German politics.

Maurice-Philip Remy

The Gurlitt Case: Judicial Scandal – Media Failure – State Injustice

Lecture on 12 October 2018 

Lecture by Maurice-Philip Remy: The Gurlitt case has almost been forgotten again. Yet it was, and still is, about more than just art theft.

It concerns the failure of more than one generation to deal with the injustices of the Nazi regime. Everything was to be covered up. The Gurlitt case represents the largest art theft of the post-war era. It is one of the most significant scandals in German history since the Second World War. 

Prof. Dr. Julian Roberts

Banks and Ethical Conduct – Lessons to be Learned from the Financial Crisis.

Lecture on 27 October 2017

Lecture by Prof. Dr Julian Roberts: ‘Banks and Ethical Conduct – Lessons to be Learned from the Financial Crisis’. Prof. Dr Roberts is a commercial lawyer and philosopher, as well as a barrister at English courts. In the latter capacity, he represents the interests of many investors who lost money in the financial crisis. He draws conclusions from this experience.