What is the power of language in the lead-up to war? How has warfare changed in the age of AI? And can we look to the future with hope, engaging in dialogue with one another? Throughout the spring of 2025, Studium Generale events were mainly centered around War & Entropy and Language & Power. And even beyond those two themes, we organized interactive programs with surprising perspectives and meaningful encounters. Today, we are looking back on a series of wonderful programs where science, art, and society met. From lectures to lunch talks, debates, films, and workshops.
A selection of our programming
Course: Philosophy and Literature
Over the course of two evenings, we explored classical thinkers and canonical texts from literary history, and how we can apply them in today’s society. How can we interpret and use Kafka, Coetzee, or Dostoevsky in these uncertain times? These were well-attended evenings in Theater de Veste. YouTube playlist.
Critical Mass Sessions
During these experimental sessions, we interacted with the audience on a range of topics. We explored how to overthrow capitalism, what we can do about the housing crisis, and which stories we need to tell for a fairer society. The final session of the season focused on depolarization and hope. What do dissonant notes have to do with harmony, and how can we apply that principle to conversations and debates about socially challenging topics? In the last Critical Mass session, we worked together in an anti-debate—a conversation technique where dissonant voices are not silenced, but the power of listening and the silent majority were given space. YouTube playlist.
For Love of the World Festival
For Love of the World is a one-of-a-kind festival organized by Studium Generale with and at Theater de Veste, combining philosophy, art, and technology to create new narratives. In this second edition, we explored power structures through language. We welcomed hundreds of students, TU staff, and residents of Delft. We learned how to create a fantasy language, carried out tasks given by AI, and heard how language can be used to spotlight new perspectives and unheard stories. The after movie and announcement of the third edition (2026) will be released soon.
Existential Tuesdays
Each week we challenged students and staff to reflect on life’s big questions. Topics included: Has Darwin been defeated?, What is language?, How do you become wise?, Why does eye contact get weird?
Writing Workshops
SG’s writing group for all levels. We offered a space for students, staff, and people outside the university to develop their skills and receive support and encouragement in their writing endeavors.
Van Leeuwenhoek Lectures
This lecture series fosters the relationship between the residents of Delft and the TU by offering lectures for everyone who wants to learn more about technology and the university. YouTube playlist.
SG meets Lumen
Filmhuis Lumen and Studium Generale joined forces and organized a new monthly collaboration – showcasing the best and freshest voices from cinema.
Powered By Clubs
Hesiodos
Hesiodos is the creative magazine of TU Delft, founded in 2018 by students and staff in collaboration with SG. On June 14th, the 7th Edition of the magazine was launched at Kunsthuis DEIK Delft. This magazine will soon be available at the Faculties and the TU Delft Library.
VOX
VOX Discussion Nights & Events organized a full program with thought-provoking conversations and film screenings, centered around critical reflection.
TU Delft Debating Club
TUD Debating Club hosted a public show debate where two sides argued for and against a motion chosen by the audience via poll.
Students4Sustainability
The Students4Sustainability Foundation (S4S) is a student organization aiming to encourage Delft students to apply innovative technology for a more sustainable world. During the symposium “Code Green: Where Smart Meets Sustainable”, three speakers from different backgrounds in industry, academia, and policy-making offered valuable perspectives on the future of AI and sustainability.