Call for Participation: Interdisciplinary Symposium "Tugenden als Motor für zukunftsfähige Demokratien. Zwischen Tradition und Innovation"

On June 18 and 19, 2026, Akademie Franz Hitze Haus and the ZIN will jointly host the interdisciplinary conference “Tugenden als Motor für zukunftsfähige Demokratien. Zwischen Tradition und Innovation” (Virtues as a Driving Force for Sustainable Democracies: Between Tradition and Innovation) at the Franz Hitze Haus.

Against the backdrop of the growing significance of the concept of “virtue” at a time when liberal democracy is facing a variety of challenges, the symposium will address the following questions, among others:

• What roles do virtues such as tolerance, courage, and moral courage play in dealing with tendencies that threaten democracy?
• How can virtues be lived and promoted in a pluralistic, liberal society without resorting to moral paternalism or slipping into elitism? What role do educational institutions play? How are virtues lived, learned, or taught?
• Where can a return to “classical” virtues and concepts of virtue be productive—and where do context-sensitive redefinitions make sense?
• Can political, Christian, and other religious virtues be a resource for strengthening public spirit and democratic culture? In view of the manifold challenges, which specific virtues are central to a stable and functioning democracy?
• (How) can virtues contribute to successful democratic sustainability policy?

The interdisciplinary symposium aims to bring together scholars to present current research on the topic of “virtue” regarding the above questions. Empirical studies, for example on virtues practiced in everyday political or
civil society life, are also welcome. The aim is to bring different perspectives into the discussion, to highlight areas of tension and controversy surrounding the concept of virtue, and to create space for exchange between theoretical and empirical-practical approaches.

We are looking for scholars who would like to participate in the symposium with a short presentation or a brief introduction of a scientific poster on a current research project—all information can be found in this Call for Participation. The deadline for submissions is January 6, 2026. Submissions or questions can be sent to zin@uni-muenster.