#AKL2020

Part 5 of 8
Watch the complete lecture programme through the following playlist:
• #AKL2020
If necessary, we defend our democracy by force. But the force which the state uses to protect us also creates victims: soldiers are deployed to warzones, and people who are deemed a threat to society are placed in secure institutions.
How do we think and talk about these modern-day human sacrifices? What makes us obey ethical codes, laws and authority? Is it fear of punishment? Or is it an even more profound fear of chaos and lawlessness?
Writer in Residence Arnon Grunberg explored these questions with reference to Kierkegaard’s philosophical classic Fear and Trembling. He was assisted by a number of students. He presents the results of his research in this year’s Abraham Kuyper Lecture, entitled Blind Obedience.
This programme also features: reactions to the essay by professor of Modern Dutch Literature Jacqueline Bel and philosopher Victor Kal, as well as talks with writer/journalist Charlotte Bouwman and opera singer and former marine Bastiaan Everink. Writer Christine Otten moderated the event.