Are we free to act or are our actions pre-determined? This is one of the big questions of philosophy. In light of ever-expanding neurobiological insights into our brain processes, the influence of the media on our thoughts and opinions, the gathering of data by major internet companies, and the permanent manipulation through increasingly subtle advertising and marketing methods, the question whether we are really free to act seems to be more topical than ever. Do we still have room for maneuver given this flood of different and powerful influences? Are we still in control of ourselves and our decisions?

GUESTS Prof. Dr. Michael Pauen (Institute of Philosophy and Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Stefan Schmidt (psychologist and psychophysiologist, University of Freiburg Medical Center)
WITH singers and musicians of the Komische Oper Berlin
MODERATORS Rainer Simon and Johanna Wall

Petruschka/L’Enfant et les Sortilèges
Performances on March 26, 2017 | July 11, 2017