Synergy Knowledge Forum

The word synergy has become a key term in cultural theory debates in recent years. But what exactly is meant when one speaks of cooperative interactions? The interdisciplinary “Synergy Knowledge Forum” pursued this question while exploring the various concepts and projects of cooperative interactions in the sciences, technology, religion, and arts. The forum was organized by the research project Synergy. A History of Knowledge.

The Synergy Knowledge Forum offered two possibilities for participation:

The ZfL regularly hosted the discussion group Synergytalks, welcoming anyone interested to participate. The group provided an opportunity to present and discuss current research projects as well as reflect on the more general scientific and artistic questions concerning synergy, synergism, and the synergetic. Prior to each group meeting, the respective presenters circulated reading material that served as the basis for discussion at each session. The meetings then began with an introduction to that week’s topic.

Alternatively, the forum’s wiki-platform SynergieWissen includes a segment called Synergyfeatures, where synergy experts unable to take part in the Berlin-based discussion group had the opportunity to network and publish texts on relevant issues. The forum pursued the common goal of developing the groundwork for a history of both the science and culture of cooperative interactions. Participation in the wiki-platform requires user registration.