Experiences and Values

The European Forum Alpbach 2013 will follow the theme of "Experiences and Values". The relationship between these two concepts is wrought with tensions. After two World Wars, it seemed nearly unthinkable in the first half of the twentieth century to talk about the meaningfulness of traditional values. However, in the second half of the past century, it became possible to enshrine human dignity in constitutions and to move European integration forward on the basis of a comprehensive charter of fundamental rights in a way that makes us joyfully unable to even imagine a new war or conflict between the former European rivals.

Nonetheless, we have to ask ourselves to what extent our choices for the future will be guided by experiences, values, or both. The tension between societal developments and our fundamental values and expectations will remain the most important driving force of our actions. All these questions and challenges will surely make the European Forum Alpbach 2013 very exciting.

The European Forum Alpbach 2013 will follow the theme of “Experiences and Values”. The relationship between these two concepts is wrought with tensions. After two World Wars, it seemed nearly unthinkable in the first half of the twentieth century to talk about the meaningfulness of traditional values. However, in the second half of the past century, it became possible to enshrine human dignity in constitutions and to move European integration forward on the basis of a comprehensive charter of fundamental rights in a way that makes us joyfully unable to even imagine a new war or conflict between the former European rivals. Nonetheless, we have to ask ourselves to what extent our choices for the future will be guided by experiences, values, or both. The tension between societal developments and our fundamental values and expectations will remain the most important driving force of our actions. All these contrasts and tensions will surely make the European Forum Alpbach 2013 very exciting.