The concept of interpresence builds on the concept of interbeing coined by the Buddhist monk Thích Nhất Hạnh, which translates as “being in between.” This describes the inseparable, reciprocal interconnectedness of all being. Interbeing means that everything in the world is inseparably connected and influences each other. For humans, this means: I am because you are, because the world is. We are all one. This means that we exist only because the others exist.

Interpresence expands this concept to include the aspect of the present (presence) and thus directs the focus to attention to the moment. In being together, we appear anew in every moment and thus constantly bring forth something new (emergence).

Based on this understanding, the Interpresence department is primarily concerned with the fields of philosophy, art, and culture. Through the immediate interpersonality on which these domains are built, the principle of interpresence is inherently inscribed in these. Philosophical, artistic and cultural practices are to be described in more detail and above all – with the principle claim of barrier-free accessibility – made experienceable. In doing so, we would like to explicitly work with all people, not just scientists, to think about these things and put them into practice within immediate encounter.

Our exploration of interpresence extends beyond immediate interpersonal connections. The Interpresence department also serves as a forum for evaluating societal influences on sustainable well-being. Our investigations delve into hierarchies, diversification, decentralization, knowledge efficiency, and competence transfer within broader societal contexts. By intertwining socio-scientific hypotheses with practical experiences, we break away from traditional research paradigms. This synthesis of theory and praxis not only enriches our findings but also fosters critical self-reflection within the Institute’s activities and societal positioning. Through this integrated perspective, we aim to illuminate how interconnectedness and the present moment intersect with societal structures, shaping sustainable well-being for all.

In Simpler Terms:

The Interpresence department explores how everything and everyone in the world is connected, just like Thích Nhất Hạnh’s idea of interbeing – the idea that we all depend on each other. It’s about being present in the moment and constantly creating something new together.

We focus on philosophy, art, and culture, aiming to make these fields understandable and accessible to everyone, not just experts. We want to bring people together to think about and practice these ideas in everyday life.

Our work goes beyond personal connections. We also study how society affects our well-being. We look at things like power structures, diversity, sharing knowledge, and how societies work. By combining theory with real-life experiences, we aim to challenge traditional research ideas. This helps us understand how connections and the ‘now’ affect our well-being in society and how we can make it better for everyone.