Philosophy Festival : Through failure and resurrection

'Everything of value is defenceless,' wrote Lucebert. The Feast of Philosophy this year considers the human as walking a tightrope between a successful or failed life. It focuses on the human condition's vulnerability and frailty and the eternal bumbling and failure of our lives. Traditionally, failure is understood as a deficit, a weakness, or the inverse of fame and success.

'What does not kill me makes me stronger,' said Friedrich Nietzsche. Failures in our personal lives, but also in science, art and culture can lead to growth, innovation, creativity, new developments and unseen opportunities. 'Through failure and resurrection' the human always tries to overcome themselves in order to do better again.

Why is there such a taboo about failure and vulnerability? We reflect on the place of vulnerability, fragility and failure in everyday life but also in art, literature and science.


French philosopher Jacques Rancière gives the opening lecture in Aula Andreas Vesalius at 13.30. From 16.00 at STUK, the topic continues in panel discussions and lectures followed by Frederik Croene's Cul-de-sac concert and a film. Discussions continue in the STUKcafé.