The Hans Ringier Foundation has today awarded Peter Sloterdijk the European Prize for Political Culture in Ascona, Switzerland. «This German philosopher’s provocative ideas have shaped the thinking of his contemporaries, not infrequently in the political sphere as well. He is an enduring heir to the republican ideal of civic society in its most positive sense. Peter Sloterdijk draws attention to our western enlightenment-oriented civilization’s contradictions, as well as affirmative aspects», said Frank A. Meyer, President of the Hans Ringier Foundation, speaking of this year’s award recipient.
 
Christian Lindner, Leader of Germany’s Free Democratic Party and member of the German Bundestag, praised the award winner in his own speech: «Peter Sloterdijk is the master of intellectual provocation. His political ideas are like experiments that, among other things, observe the reflexes of underlying conflicting opinions. These rarefied contributions stimulate and foster self-reflection in our political culture. His linguistic innovations not only express observations but are also a testament to his subtle sense of humour. No other contemporary intellectual succeeds at conveying both wisdom and humour in such a way».
 
The award ceremony was part of the traditional Dîner Républicain, an annual event to which Frank A. Meyer invites attendees at the Hotel Castello del Sole in Ascona.

Ringier AG, Corporate Communications

Frank A. Meyer | Christian Lindner | Peter Sloterdijk

Artist: Tania Jacobi