Philosophical Café
The "Philosophical Café", in the Karmeliterhof, is the place where anyone interested can join in, discuss, analyse, report, criticise, add to or simply listen.
The "Philosophical Café", in the Karmeliterhof, is the place where all interested people can join in, discuss, analyze, report, criticize, complement or simply listen. Topics are discussed that are not only of interest to experts, but to many people.
It is a place of understanding where there are no taboos. The goal is to practice such skills and abilities that lead to independent analysis and judgment and encourage critical thinking. On the one hand, interest in politics is to be awakened, and the prerequisites are to be created for seeing through complex interrelationships and acquiring the competence to act in order to actively participate in social processes.
The proposed topics are facilitated by a philosopher (as a inquierer in the sense of a Socratic Dialogue). The participants are often confronted with controversial theses. The aim is to create a process in which the dialogue between participants plays the central role.
Information and registration:
E-Mail: office@kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43(0)316/90 370 201.
The "Philosophical Café" is funded by the Austrian Society for Civic Education.
Philosophical Cafés 2025
01.07.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Youth
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Deliberative democracy emphasises public discourse, public consultation and the participation of citizens in public communication. Deliberative approaches and methods can enrich our democracy in many ways. Jürgen Habermas' theory of communicative action is the basis of the deliberative theory of democracy. What opportunities for participation using digital media can be used to promote deliberative democracy?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
24.06.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Based on John Dewey's philosophical approach "Democracy as a Way of Life", we start from the experiences of the participants and develop a “Community of Inquiry” in which democracy is lived: asking questions, arguing, giving reasons, recognising assumptions, uncovering contradictions, recognising connections, logical thinking are practised in the same way as listening carefully in order to show appreciation for all participants with very different opinions (plurality). The aim of the workshop is to experience "Democracy as a Way of Life".
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
03.06.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Only 75.6 percent of eligible voters took part in the 2019 National Council elections in Austria. This means that voter turnout fell by a further 4.4 percent compared to the 80 percent in the 2017 election, meaning that the elected politicians represent fewer and fewer people in relation to the population. Austria's future democratic development lies in overcoming the challenge of the increasing rise of authoritarian attitudes towards foreigners, migrants, etc. Is it still justified under the rule of law for parties elected with only a small majority to form governments through tactical skilfulness in order to then make far-reaching decisions for a large part of the population?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
20.05.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
The opportunities for co-determination and political participation, especially for residents, who have lived and worked in Austria for decades but do not have Austrian citizenship, are very limited. Integration through political participation of migrants is an important social and political task. How can all people living in a state actively use their opportunities for participation to bring about change and make their voices heard?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
07.05.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Former US President Barack Obama said "Elections alone do not make a democracy". However, free elections are the most important form of political participation and democracy is inconceivable without free elections. Elections are used to elect political representatives and thus determine the future political course. Voter turnout has a decisive influence on the legitimacy and effectiveness of a democracy. In 2024, elections were held not only in Austria and Europe, but in many countries around the world. Which democratic principles are supported by the right to vote? How can we raise awareness of the importance of the right to vote?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
16.04.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
The majority of society moves in the digital space, communicates, consumes and informs itself online. Economic upheavals, political decisions and unpredictable events keep society on the move. Opportunities for social and political participation, economic growth, education, research and the quality of work depend more and more on whether and how we succeed in utilising the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies. These processes of change are increasing people's expectations, but also their fears. What significance does access to the Internet have for social participation? In this workshop we will discuss many other socio-political and social issues.
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
18.03.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
During the Second World War, Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister said: "Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best form of government we have." However, there is increasing talk of a "crisis of democracy" in the media and social discourse. The results of the Democracy Monitor 2023 show that there are once again more closed autocracies in the world than liberal democracies. Their level has fallen back to that of 1986. It's about more than just falling voter turnout: social inequality, loss of trust in the rule of law, right-wing populism, etc. The rise of populist parties, the downward trend in voter turnout and the declining trust in politics are signs of a crisis in democracy. What can we do for a stable liberal democracy? What can political education contribute?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
04.03.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Even though human rights should apply to all people, Hannah Arendt points out that the Declaration of Human Rights only refers to people who already live in existing legal communities (e.g. have citizenship). The right to have rights is not given by nature. What must be secured in order to be able to lead a dignified life? What does "the right to have rights" mean? This raises the question of participation and the lack of voting rights for non-citizens.
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
Media and Democracy in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Risks
23.07.2025
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start: 5.00 pm
Democracies around the world are facing major challenges. While digitalisation can improve democratic processes through the interaction between citizens and political decision-makers and the creation of new platforms for citizen participation, the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of data create new dangers and risks. How can we combat the spread of disinformation and fake news in digital media? What ethical and legal issues arise from the use of big data and digital technologies for political purposes?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an email to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Philosophical Cafés 2024
Media and Democracy in The Digital Age: Opportunities and Risks
24.09.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Democracies around the world are facing major challenges. While digitalisation can improve democratic processes through the interaction between citizens and political decision-makers and the creation of new platforms for citizen participation, new dangers and risks arise from the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of data. How can we combat the spread of disinformation and fake news in digital media? What ethical and legal issues arise from the use of big data and digital technologies for political purposes?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an email to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Methods of Disinformation Campaigns
20.08.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 4.00 pm
Whether reports on the effectiveness of vaccinations, climate change, the dangers of nuclear power or other scientific topics: Disinformation campaigns often use very specific methods.In this workshop we will explain the most common methods of disinformation campaigns using examples.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
The Relationship Between Politics and Science
02.07.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
How can science cooperate with politics?
Rarely before has the need for scientific scientific expertise has ever been so great. Are researchers being listened to more? What is the relationship between advisors and governments like? Is there continuous two-way communication between experts and politicians on an equal footing? As early as 1968, the philosopher Jürgen Habermas analysed the relationship between those who advise and those who govern. In this workshop, we will discuss his models and look for answers.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Why Is Science Important in Our Lives?
11.06.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Science provides us with indispensable tools and plays an important role in our everyday lives. In our dynamic world, we can hardly imagine life without the benefits that science brings us. But do we realise it? Not only the significant discoveries and developments in medicine show us this, but also the numerous achievements in the technical field that make our lives easier and help us to get work done faster or organise it better. Science is always confronted with new challenges.
For example digitalisation is changing the way in which knowledge is generated, organised and received. In this workshop, we will address the following questions: What role does science play in an increasingly fragmented and digital society? How can science avoid the impression of arbitrariness, despite often differing research results? Why is science important for society?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an email to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
How Can We Counteract Polarisation That Threatens Democracy?
22.05.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
It is becoming increasingly easy to come together with groups online and offline to share opinions and encourage each other. In the process, current political social conflict topics are taken up. Anti-democratic actors, initiatives and parties use these opportunities, especially in social media, to mobilise people and expand their following. It is often "the lure of authoritarianism", as Anne Appelbaum, journalist and author, writes in her book of the same name. Convincing people in difficult times with simple answers to complex complex questions.
The question we are primarily concerned with in this workshop: How do we deal with anti-democratic attitudes and behaviour?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Dealing With Fake News and Conspiracy Theories Is a Challenge
12.04.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Fake news and conspiracy theories are doing the rounds and are booming.
In recent years, the dissemination of false information and the use of algorithms have focussed primarily on aspects of health and climate policy. They capitalise on people's insecurity, work with emotions and reject scientific findings and democratic values. But what exactly is a conspiracy theory and what distinguishes it from fake news?
Why and under what conditions do people believe in conspiracy theories? Who falls for them and what danger do conspiracy theories pose? And, most importantly, how can we counter them? How can we discuss with people who believe in false reports or conspiracy narratives?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Peace as a Philosophical Challenge
12.03.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Kant on eternal peace.
Never again war was the guiding principle of European unification over 75 years ago. In his essay "On Perpetual Peace", published in 1795, Immanuel Kant sketched out a philosophical blueprint for lasting peace between states. He argued that although perpetual peace is not an achievable goal in the true sense of the word, it can nevertheless serve as a regulative idea to improve political relations between states. We will discuss the essential conditions that Kant stated were necessary for "perpetual peace" and his idea that it is essential to continually reestablish peace.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Science Communication - Why?
13.02.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
The knowledge of experts is more in demand than ever, yet scientists are learning.
However, scientists are finding that facts alone are often not convincing. Should scientists communicate differently than before? Is public relations work essential when it comes to science? Who should report on scientific findings? Who are the actors in science communication? How can a broad public participate in the topics and findings of research?
These and and many other questions are at the centre of this philosophical café.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
How Can False Information on Climate Change Be Debunked?
09.01.2024
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
"Alternative facts" have been enjoying increasing popularity for some time now and the topic of climate change also lends itself to this. What is missing in the debate on climate change? How is it possible to talk to people about global warming and climate protection? How much does science take centre stage? In this workshop, we will analyse a wide range of information on climate change, debunk disinformation and provide sufficient facts about climate change.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Why Democracy Needs Education
23.02.2023
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 3.00 pm
What does democracy have to do with education? What are the prerequisites for a vibrant democracy? The philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum has investigated these questions. In her book "Not for profit. Why Democracy Needs Education", she criticises the economisation of education and the orientation of our education systems towards economic growth and profit. Education is increasingly being reduced to subjects that are directly related to technology. Humanities and arts subjects are being pushed back. Does the loss of imagination, critical faculties and empathy jeopardise democracy?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Philosophical Cafés 2023
Scientific processes are usually highly complex and relevant content is often difficult to make understandable. What new ways are there to convey the knowledge gained in a more fun and relaxed way to? How can science be made more understandable? Can the results of science and research be brought closer to a broader public through comedy, wit and humour? Does humour help in the communication of science? Using examples, we show how humour can be a helpful element in improving science communication.
Democracy and The Rule of Law
19.07.2023
ACPC Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, said "Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best form of government we have." Have we taken democracy and the rule of law for granted for too long? The current crisis shows that liberal society is facing serious problems. Not only because of the turn towards illiberalism, populism and nationalism in liberal democracies and the rise of authoritarian powers. The war in Ukraine shows a turning point, it is a war against democracies and freedom. How is it that rights are being violated in such a massive and undemocratic way? What does it mean for the democratic constitutional states? How do we deal with this existential crisis?
Free participation!
- Registration and information:
E-Mail: office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
Phone: +43 (0)316 90 370 201
04.07.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Technical systems of control and surveillance are finding their way into our everyday lives. Intelligence services and law enforcement agencies use digital technologies and big data to increase security. They collect and exchange personal data and violate the fundamental rights of citizens. Comprehensive security pacts are being adopted that enable increased surveillance with facial recognition and access to mobile phones with federal Trojans. There seem to be virtually no limits to technical developments. What impact do these technical systems of control and surveillance have on democracy and democratic coexistence?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
21.06.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
"A democracy must never become a dictatorship of the majority" emphasises the philosopher Agnes Heller in an interview. Based on this quote, we will look at democracy as a model social order, analyse authoritarian tendencies and explore the underlying meanings of the terms democracy and liberalism. Which convictions and values are decisive when considering democracies?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
31.05.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
What effects can echo chambers and filter bubbles have on democratic society? The term filter bubble describes the phenomenon in which websites and platforms use algorithms to display information and opinions to each individual person that largely coincide with his/her previous views and interests. As a result, discussion groups lack other or contrary opinions. Are we prisoners of our own filter bubble? How can we "get out" of our own filter bubble and avoid the presumed negative effects of algorithms?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an email to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
12.05.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
The internet is changing the political public sphere, discourse and opportunities for participation. Where are the opportunities and what are the risks? How do political discourses and movements differ in the digital and analogue space? What is the greatest socio-political challenge of this new public sphere? What is the greatest opportunity of digitalisation for politics and democracy? What kind of digital and political future do we want to live in? These are just some of the questions we will address in this workshop.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
04.04.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Karl Popper, the philosopher of the open society and its enemies, dealt with the question of how an "open society" should be structured. His idea is closely linked to the democratic form of government. It is essential that citizens in a democracy are called upon to critically scrutinise those in power again and again, and that statements of law as well as state institutions should always be subject to critical scrutiny. Popper defended contemporary democracy, but warned against seeing it as the rule of the people, the rule of the majority. The control of power and the possibility of voting out the government without violence are essential. What conditions promote a functioning democracy?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
26.03.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
As part of the Citizen Science method, interested people who are not employed full-time but mostly work on a voluntary basis are involved in scientific processes. This can involve participating in the collection of data or assisting with measurements, reporting observations or conducting research. Non-professional researchers thus gain a deeper understanding of scientific work in a stimulating and new way. What does this mean for science? How important is the exchange? What educational goals are pursued with the Citizen Science method?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
14.03.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
The spread of disinformation and fake news is an ever-growing problem. Fake news is not an invention of the internet age, it has always existed. Today, fake news is understood to be "false reports spread with manipulative intent." The authors of such deliberately false news are often not people at all, but computer programmes known as "social bots". They can create a mood in favour of or against political views and influence public opinion in a targeted manner. They spread disinformation and thus destroy people's trust in certain institutions or democracy itself. How can we see through the mechanisms of manipulation?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
05.03.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Whether reports on the effectiveness of vaccinations, climate change, the dangers of nuclear power or other scientific topics: Disinformation campaigns often use very specific methods. In this workshop we will use examples to explain the most common methods of disinformation campaigns.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
02.03.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 3.00 pm
Rapid changes and unpredictable crises present us with major challenges. We live in a world in which the principles of neoliberalism are spreading and self-optimisation concepts are being pushed. Even the private sphere is increasingly being publicised and is subject to processes of competition and the market economy. What skills are needed to participate in and help shape a democratic society? In this workshop, we will look at the educational policy considerations of the social philosopher Oskar Negt, among others.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
28.02.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 5.00 pm
Scientific processes are usually highly complex and relevant content is often difficult to make comprehensible. What new ways are there to convey the knowledge gained in a more fun and relaxed way? How can science be made more understandable? Can the results of science and research be brought closer to a broader public through comedy, wit and humour? Does humour help in the communication of science? Using examples, we will show how humour can be a helpful element in improving science communication.
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
23.02.2023
Society for Philosophy with Children and Young People
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor, meeting room G2, 8010 Graz
Start 3.00 pm
What does democracy have to do with education? What are the prerequisites for a vibrant democracy? The philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum has investigated these questions. In her book "Not for profit. Why Democracy Needs Education", she criticises the economisation of education and the orientation of our education systems towards economic growth and profit. Education is increasingly being reduced to subjects that are directly related to technology. Humanities and arts subjects are being pushed back. Does the loss of imagination, critical faculties and empathy jeopardise democracy?
Free participation!
- Registration and enquiry:
please send an e-mail to office(at)kinderphilosophie.at
or call +43 (0)316 90 370 200
Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Youth
+43 (0)316 90370 201
Karmeliterhof
Karmeliterplatz 2, 2nd floor
8010 Graz, Austria
Mo - Th 08:00-16:00
Fr 08:00-12:00
kinderphilosophie-gesellschaft.uni-graz.at