Forsskål Symposium
In defence of free speech in our time
The Forsskål Symposium is a yearly recurring event at Uppsala University. The purpose is to observe the achievements and ideas of the Enlightement philosopher Peter Forsskål, and to create possibilities for continued discussion on free speech in our time.
Peter Forsskål
Peter Forsskål (1732-1763) was a philosopher, economist, orientalist and botanist. He was one of the apostles of Carl Linnæus and died in 1763 during a scientific expedition in present-day Yemen.
Forsskål has been described as one of few Swedish Enlightenment philosophers. He is most well-known for his pamphlet Tankar om borgerliga friheten (Thoughts on Civil Liberty), which sparked great controversy when published in 1759.
Read the uncensored edition of Forsskål's groundbreaking text here (in Swedish)
The Forsskål Symposium
Uppsala Forum, Uppsala University and the Faculty of Law honours the achievements and ideas of Peter Forsskål through the yearly Forsskål Symposium.
Within the scope of the symposium a Forsskål Lecture is held on a theme related to the ideas of Forsskål. Moreover the symposium consists of a yearly update on the research regarding Peter Forsskål and the spreading of his ideas, as well as a panel session about contemporary issues connected to the legacy of Forsskål.
The Forsskål Lecture is one of Uppsala University's honorary lectures. The symposium is held in Swedish.