Witten/Herdecke University is founded on three core values: encouraging freedom, striving for truth, and promoting social responsibility. But what does the UW/H community actually mean when it speaks of freedom, truth, and social responsibility? Is freedom merely the ability to choose between options—or the courage to ask uncomfortable questions and venture down new paths of thought? Is truth a fixed goal—or rather a shared process of inquiry that thrives on doubt and open dialogue? And what role does social responsibility play in this? Does it not mean that our knowledge and actions have an impact beyond the seminar room? That insight always has consequences—for society, politics, and our coexistence?

What happens when we consider these three values together? Does a triad perhaps emerge, in which freedom opens up space, truth provides orientation, and responsibility establishes the connection to the world? What would be missing if one of these notes fell silent?
And finally: What would it mean in concrete terms to take these guiding principles seriously? What would a university look like that truly enables freedom, resolutely seeks truth, and consciously assumes responsibility? What would that mean for students, faculty, thinkers, and acting beings?

During Kulturzeit, participants explore these questions - which are central to the university - together from different perspectives, with curiosity, openness, and a desire to discover the university’s own triad.

Participation is free of charge.