Zur Lage der Geisteswissenschaften

The situation of the arts in Germany continues to be the subject of lively discussion. In his article the author, who is also knowledgable in the field of academic planning and evaluation, begins by analysing the general situation from his point of view. With the proviso of further differentiation between the spectrum of arts, it can be seen that they are, without exception, held in high esteem internationally. Problems occur mainly because of the economization of the universities that goes with structural under-funding and the quantitative measurement of achievements which also unilaterally privileges external funding. The negative consequences are addressed. According to the author, however, they in no way justify the widespread pessisism that still exists.