Listening to each other is considered a basic democratic virtue. Yet it is rarely taken to heart. Concealed by prejudices, vested interests, and ideologies, most of us hear only the questions to which we believe we already have the answers. Only the impulses they already agree with. Only the criticism they will ignore anyway.

What does it mean to really listen? In other words, to open up to another person's worldview? What mechanisms prevent listening, whether in a private or public context? Which media promote dialogical interaction and which destroy it?

In his new book "Zuhören - Die Kunst sich der Welt zu öffnen" (Hanser), media scientist and THE NEW INSTITUTE fellow Bernhard Pörksen, who teaches in Tübingen, outlines a philosophy of listening in polarized times. A few days before the German parliamentary elections in 2025, the discussion with Pörksen, author of books such as "Die große Gereiztheit" and "Kommunikation als Lebenskunst," will focus on the contours of a politics of listening. And thus about the very foundation of a democratic society.

Moderation by philosopher and publicist Wolfram Eilenberger.