Wolfram Eilenberger publishes new book – Die Gegenwart der Philosophie

In an age marked by climate crises, technological upheavals and political tensions, Eilenberger advocates a new beginning for philosophical thinking. His book is intended as a guide in an era of growing disorientation and, at the same time, as a reminder that philosophy is particularly important in times of uncertainty.

Philosophy, according to his central thesis, must not be limited to academic systems or abstract theories. Eilenberger understands it rather as a living practice of thinking and a form of critical self-reflection that enables orientation in the here and now.

The book guides readers through central traditions of philosophy, from Socrates to Immanuel Kant to Michel Foucault and Theodor W. Adorno, and asks what their thinking can mean for our present. Philosophy does not appear as a closed system, but as an attitude of intellectual vigilance. It diagnoses the problems of its time, questions certainties and opens up new perspectives on social developments.

Initial reviews praise the book as a powerful call for independent thinking. The publication of the Danish translation of the work will be celebrated next week with book launches in Copenhagen and Aarhus. There, Wolfram Eilenberger will discuss central questions of philosophical thinking in our time with Danish philosopher Svend Brinkmann.

On behalf of the St. Gallen Collegium, we warmly invite all interested parties to the book launch in St. Gallen. On 18 March 2026, Wolfram Eilenberger will discuss possible ways out of our self-imposed immaturity at SQUARE, moderated by Claudia Brühwiler, together with Christine Abbt and Michael Festl.