Reading: The state of public discourse in Western democracies
11/03/2026Thomas Chatterton Williams is coming to Würzburg for a reading and discussion. The author, essayist and journalist writes for publications including The Atlantic, The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker and Le Monde.
This year, the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. One of the most important founding ideals of the first modern democracy is the right to freedom of expression – a right that can only flourish in a culture of mutual respect and religious, political, and ideological tolerance. Such a culture lies at the heart of liberalism, a philosophy and worldview that regards individual freedom and equality before the law as fundamental values.
In his latest book, Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse (2025; German edition: Toxische Gerechtigkeit: Die neue Polarisierung der Debatten und das Scheitern eines großen Traums, translated by Stephan Kleiner, 2025), the American author, essayist and journalist Thomas Chatterton Williams explores two closely related questions: How can the increasing polarisation of public debate be explained? And at what point does the pursuit of greater justice in society turn into its toxic opposite? These and related questions will be explored during the event.
The event is jointly organised by Domschule Würzburg, the Chair of American Studies, and the Kolleg Moderne & Gegenwart at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), with the kind support of the Deutsch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft e.V.
The discussion will be moderated by Professor Catrin Gersdorf, Chair of American Studies.
Date and venue
When? Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where? Burkardushaus – Conference Centre at the Cathedral, Am Bruderhof 1, 97070 Würzburg
Further information
Further information about the event is available on the website of Domschule Würzburg – Akademie des Bistums.
The event will be held in English.
Registration is still possible despite the registration deadline having passed.
