Nietzsche Colloquium 2025: "Theme Justice and Violence"

Justice and violence oppose each other, yet cannot be separated. How do we deal with a violent criminal who seeks to bring about a just world? What should we think of state power if, as Nietzsche believes, the state is the "coldest of all cold monsters"? The alliance between law and justice seems to be breaking down. Nietzsche helps us better understand the deep conflicts between law, justice, and violence. He discovers their common origin in guilt; he draws a surprising connection between pangs of conscience and promissory notes. In The Genealogy of Morals, he traces supposedly noble ideals back to cruel origins. Judges and legislators, as representatives of the state order, are subjected to sharp criticism. Nietzsche questions obedience and pays homage to the "great criminal." His criticism of the "good man" is notorious; it changes our perspective on resentment, conscience, and promises. Nietzsche's critique of morality has considerable political and legal reach. Today, justice and violence are on everyone's lips. The colloquium aims to explore the connection between violence and justice, power and law, and to reflect on a topic of current relevance with Nietzsche. The colloquium is open to the public and is aimed not only at specialists but also at any interested public. The events—lectures, discussions, and reading groups—can be attended individually. Conference pass (all admissions including the concert evening): CHF 180.00; Conference pass for students: CHF 50.00; Individual admission: CHF 20.00; Individual admission for students: CHF 10.00; Individual admission for the concert evening: CHF 30.00; Individual admission for students: CHF 20.00; Reservations are requested. Registration on site from Thursday, 3:30 p.m.