Dialogbühne Extra: Truth and Lies in Politics

On the occasion of Hannah Arendt's 120th birthday

"The subject of these reflections is a commonplace. No one has ever doubted that truth fares poorly in politics, no one has ever counted truthfulness among the virtues of politics. Lying seems to be part of the craft not only of demagogues, but also of politicians and even statesmen. A remarkable and disturbing fact. What does it mean for the nature and dignity of the political realm on the one hand, and for the nature and dignity of truth and truthfulness on the other?"

With her essays "Truth and Politics" (1964) and "The Lie in Politics" (1971), Hannah Arendt profoundly shaped political thought in Europe and the USA. Drawing on selected passages, the relevance of her analyses will be illuminated - supplemented by excerpts from her acceptance speech "Humanity in Dark Times", delivered upon receiving the Lessing Prize in 1959 in Hamburg.

Following the presentation, an open discussion with guests from politics and society will take place.

Introduction: Leonie Rinze (dramaturg)
Moderation: Willi Händler (actor, dramaturg)