Think Tank for Humanism and Enlightenment

The Giordano Bruno Stiftung (gbs) is a think tank for humanism and enlightenment that has been joined by many renowned scientists, philosophers and artists. The foundation is currently backed by more than 10,000 supporting members and 50 regional and university groups.

The foundation's goal is to develop a viable humanistic, rational and evidence-based alternative to the traditional religions and to help it become established in society. This objective is based on the insight that we cannot face the complex challenges of the 21st century using the religious paradigms of the past. (Read more)

Latest news

Dead Without God

Online lecture by philosopher Franz Josef Wetz on May 5th

2020/04/29

The topic of the lecture by gbs advisory board and HAI board member Franz Josef Wetz in the "Humanistic Salon" of the Duesseldorfer Aufklärungsdienst was chosen long before "Corona" became the predominant topic in the media. The images of the pandemic's consequences, however, prompted many people to take a closer look at their own finiteness. Wetz' lecture on a "new farewell culture" will be streamed live on May 5th on the gbs YouTube channel, viewers can join the discussion.

Enlightenment in Times of Corona

How the Giordano Bruno Foundation responds to the pandemic

2020/04/24

Assessments of how dangerous the new corona virus is vary widely within the Giordano Bruno Foundation (gbs). It is certain, however, that the gbs – like the vast majority of non-profit organisations – must break new ground in the wake of the corona pandemic. The prerequisites for this were set by a meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Directorate, which took place last Sunday via video conference.

On the Corona Pandemic

Why the Giordano Bruno Foundation refrains from making statements on COVID-19

2020/03/23

The Giordano Bruno Foundation had already cancelled all events until May 2020 two weeks ago, i.e. before the corresponding administrative instructions had been given. While the foundation is working intensively on the pandemic internally, it is refraining from making any further statements due to the currently still very unclear data availability. "What is needed now is serious transdisciplinary research of the virus, its spread and its consequences," says gbs board spokesman Michael Schmidt-Salomon, "no further fueling of the rumour mill".

"Ensure transparency and justice at last!"

Criminologist Pfeiffer demands the retrieval of the abuse files from the Vatican and comprehensive compensation

2020/03/13

Criminologist Professor Christian Pfeiffer has demanded that the federal government retrieve the abuse files from the Vatican, that the Bishops' Conference pay compensation also for life-long loss of earnings of abuse victims, and that independent research involving 5,000 active priests be permitted. Pfeiffer said this on March 8, 2020, at an event on the topic of "Religion and Violence" organized by the Institut für Weltanschauungsrecht (ifw - Institute for Worldview Law) and the Giordano Bruno Foundation (gbs) in Haus Weitblick in Oberwesel.

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