Welcome to the Denkraum

Welcome, and thank you for stopping by. This blog is the public face of The Denkraum Project: an invitation to talk about the big questions of our time, in small groups, in many places around the world.

What we are after

"Denkraum" is German for a space for thinking. That is exactly what we want to create: a place with no fixed agenda and no expected outcome, where people can bring a question, listen to others and leave with a slightly different view than they came with. No lectures, no verdicts, and room for many viewpoints.

Where the idea comes from

The project grew out of a discussion group in Hamburg, "Philosophische Gespräche" (philosophical conversations), which has been meeting for several years. Over that time we saw how much a regular, open conversation can give people, and the idea followed naturally: why should this exist in only one city? Why not many groups, in many places, each with its own voice?

Why Second Life?

Second Life is a virtual world in which people from anywhere can meet as avatars. The Denkraum there is open to everyone, whatever time zone or country you are in. We see it as a first doorstep: a place where you can sit down with strangers from other continents today, and where you may pick up the idea and take it home to start a group of your own. Virtual rooms do not replace real encounters. For many people they are simply an easier first step toward them.

The logo

You will have noticed the round emblem at the top of the page. It shows the silhouette of a head in profile on a deep purple disc. Inside the head there is a small network of golden points joined by thin lines. For us it says three things at once. Thinking is something we do individually, in our own head. Thinking also happens in connections: between ideas, between people, between places. And the dark, quiet background is the space that makes both possible. The Denkraum is that space, made visible.

Art in the Denkraum

Art is part of how we think here. In the Denkraum in Second Life you will find works from the Silhouettes series: images in which dark human figures appear within colourful scenes, sometimes alone, sometimes in company. Five works from the series are currently on view in other exhibitions. You will also meet sculptures on the grounds. Walk around them and look at them from every side, because a thing often looks different from the other side, and so does a question.

From time to time we also plan art actions: moments in which the art steps out of its frame and invites you to take part. We will announce them here on the blog. Images and sculptures are no decoration for us. They are an invitation to start a conversation with a picture before you start one with a person.

What we have in mind

Several groups per city are very welcome. Hamburg is only the beginning, and a city can easily hold many different circles. Later we would like groups from different countries to talk to each other, for example in video calls, and to visit one another. These are ideas, not promises, and we want to try them out together with you. Some things we are thinking about:

• a question of the month that every group can take up in its own way;
• a short hosting guide for anyone who wants to start a group, with practical tips for a first evening;
• joint evenings in Second Life where groups from different places meet;
• and a connection between virtual and real life.

How you can take part

• Visit the Denkraum in Second Life and join the group. You will find the location and the group link on the World Map page.
• Add your group. If you already meet, or would like to start, use the form on the World Map page and your group can appear on the map.
• Ask us anything. Questions, suggestions and criticism are welcome through the contact form in the sidebar.

You do not need any prior knowledge of philosophy or of Second Life. Curiosity is enough. We look forward to thinking with you.