The Greek term of “ethos” can be translated as character or custom, either of a single individual or of a human community. Violence can be defined as an experience inflicted on and suffered by man, usually accompanied by cruelty, suffering and humiliation. Humanists argue whether in discussions about violence towards animals the term is used metaphorically or realistically.

        The main goals of the Conference are to explore, clarify and gain in-depth insights into the specific characteristics of historical and cultural contexts in which the current ethoses have come into being. A particularly important aspect relates to determining the violence potential of ethoses. However, we do not want to confine ourselves to establishing a diagnosis. Without losing sight of the risks and traps which are associated with utopian thinking, we encourage Conference participants to formulate normative projects for the emancipation of ethoses from violence. Violence-containing ethics stands a chance to become a sound basis for a universal communicative cooperation.