In the age of Enlightenment new spaces for public discussion emerged. In salons and journals lively debates took place about politics, religion, science, and morality. In view of state censorship, freedom of opinion and of the press became central demands of the Enlightenment thinkers.
Building on this, Kant introduces one of his most important thoughts: a free public sphere is the engine of Enlightenment. Progress arises only when we employ our reason publicly and critically, so that the best argument can prevail. Was Kant right?
Today democracies guarantee freedom of opinion, yet the public sphere has become louder, more diverse, and increasingly difficult to navigate. How can we discuss reasonably with one another today?