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, nor has anyone ever counted truthfulness among political virtues. 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 two essays "Truth and Politics" (1964) and "Lying in Politics" (1971), the world-renowned philosopher Hannah Arendt profoundly shaped political thought in Europe and the USA. Drawing on selected passages, we aim to illuminate the relevance of Hannah Arendt's analyses today. Excerpts from her acceptance speech "Humanity in Dark Times", delivered upon receiving the Lessing Prize in 1959 in Hamburg, complement this perspective.

Following the readings, we invite you to engage in a lively exchange with our guests. For it is precisely this critical engagement and open discourse that, in the spirit of Arendt, preserves our humanity in politically dark times.

Introduction: Leonie Rinze (dramaturg),
Moderation: Willi Händler (actor, dramaturg),
with guests from politics and society