Round Table: Text vs Visual

Scholarly knowledge is created through the interaction of different modalities. The written and printed word traditionally occupies a central position. In contrast, visuali-sations have established themselves as an important alternative in the scientific com-munity. They have evolved from a purely representational element in the communica-tion of already formulated scientific results to a mostly interested lay audience to an important methodological approach in the development of knowledge.

Until now, these two modes have been largely considered separately from each other and from a single disciplinary perspective. Texts and visualisations are seen as complementary ways of creating and communicating knowledge. The question of the direct relationship between these two modes remains largely unresolved. Who as-sumes which functions in the constitution of scholarly knowledge? What alternative approaches exist beyond the opposition of linear forms of appearance (text) and spatial arrangements (visualisations)? Which hybrid and overlapping solutions can be used effectively?

Different perspectives on these questions will be discussed in this event format. Aspects of both digital and traditional humanities will be addressed and practical ap-proaches will be emphasised.