Art Supposes Justice: Reflections on "Das Tribunal"

Abstract

For the opening weekend of the “Globale” Exhibition at the ZKM, in Karlsruhe, Peter Weibel planned a two day event entitled “das Tribunal”. Numerous thinkers, philosophers, historians, jurists, economists, artists and activists, were brought together in the staging of a ‘Tribunal’ to “judge” the crimes against humanity and the genocides of the 20th century. At the entrance hall of the ZKM, a type of trial was performed.

Dr. Joseph Cohen and Dr. Raphael Zagury-Orly, two contemporary philosophers lecturing in Ireland, Israel, France and Germany, participated in its elaboration and moderated the event. A few days after, they very kindly agreed to this interview on “das Tribunal”.

Both thinkers describe the event as a rich and meaningful experience, one that definitely remains open to different readings and interpretations. With both, a conversation took place allowing for an attentive look at the lesser thought aspects of “das Tribunal”.