Who is behind Denken & Staunen?

My name is Stefanie Rieger. I am originally from the beautiful Chiemgau region (Bavaria, Germany) and, after several stages in Germany, I now reside in Graz (Styria, Austria). As a trained philosopher and social worker, my main concern is to bring philosophy out of its ivory tower and back to the marketplace. Philosophy should no longer be confined solely to universities; rather, issues of everyday life should be addressed publicly, and with individuals, through philosophical means.


Philosophy is for everyone!

Through my services, I aim to motivate independent reflection and to meet people precisely where they are at the moment. My goal is to provide an ideal opportunity for each individual  to engage in philosophical contemplation together. People of all ages in unique life circumstances—such as those experiencing mental illness, addictions, homelessness, loneliness, dying, and more—should have the opportunity to find companionship in philosophical reflection with me.

A trusting atmosphere is especially important to me, yet one in which candid discussion is also possible.

I look forward to your interests, thoughts, and questions.


My deep commitment is to sustainably strengthen and inspire care work through Philosophical Practice. For I have often experienced myself what is missing.


Now it's your turn: write me an email at info@denken-und-staunen.de to arrange an appointment for a conversation, a philosophical café, or a workshop. Please keep in mind: my native language is German.


Milestones in my Professional Career

  • Diploma in Social Work (FH), 2010
  • B.A. Philosophy, 2014
  • Systemic Counselor (SG), 2018
  • Certificate in Personality Development in Intercultural Contexts, 2019
  • M.A. Philosophy, 2019
  • Academic Philosophical Practitioner (University of Vienna), 2020
  • Since 2021: Self-employed with the Philosophical Practice “Denken und Staunen”
  • Since 2022: Research Associate at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Aging and Care (CIRAC) and doctoral studies in Philosophical Practice at the University of Graz
  • From 2026: Lecturer in the “Philosophical Practice” training program of the Professional Association for Philosophical Practice (BV-PP)


In addition, I have more than 10 years of professional experience as a social worker in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, addiction support, refugee and youth aid, and extensive experience in systemic counseling certified by the Systemic Society (SG).


Selected Experiences in Philosophical Practice (since 2019, partly during training):

  • Philosophical one-on-one consultations (online and in person)
  • Philosophical workshops for individuals undergoing opioid substitution treatment
  • Philosophical workshops for individuals in abstinent recovery
  • Philosophical online workshops for volunteers in voluntary service
  • Philosophical group programs for people experiencing homelessness
  • Philosophical group programs for children
  • Philosophical group supervision for social workers
  • Various academic mentoring at bachelor’s and master’s level
  • Philosophical salons
  • Philosophical cafés in cafés and social institutions
  • Philosophical reading groups
  • Philosophical supervision
  • Philosophical workshops at the “Leipzig denkt” festival (2022, 2024)
  • Philosophical salon at “Wave Gotik Treffen 2024”
  • And much more.


Selected Publications

  • Rieger, Stefanie

Vertrauen als Nährboden der Menschlichkeit. Ein Phänomen wider die Einsamkeit.

In: Praxis PalliativeCare. Praxis PalliativeCare 63 / 2024 | Thema: sterbenseinsam und hoffnungsstark,63. 2024. 41-42.


  • Rieger, Stefanie

Wie Philosophie Verbundenheit unter Unbekannten stiftet. Der Beitrag einer inklusiven Philosophischen Praxis.

In: Leidfaden 2024,3. 2024. 20-22.


  • Patrick Schuchter, Stefanie V. Rieger, Sandra Radinger, Klaus Wegleitner

Last questions: How philosophical practice contributes to developing death literacy.

In: Georg Bollig (Hg.): Palliative Care - Current Practice and Future Perspectives. London. IntechOpen. 2023. unklar, derzeit als online-first. doi:10.5772/intechopen.1003175


Selected Talks & Panels

  • Aust, Ada; Rieger, Stefanie; Krauß, Jirko

Philosophical Practice as a Response to Moral Distress in Care Work. An Outlook. Panel.

18th International Conference on Philosophical Practice. Zagreb. 12.06.2025.


  • Radinger, Sandra; Schuchter, Patrick; Rieger, Stefanie; Wegleitner, Klaus

“To philosophize means learning to die” Developing death literacy in communities of philosophical and palliative care practice. Talk.

8th Public Health Palliative Care International Conference. Bern. 23.10.2024.


  • Rieger, Stefanie; Radinger, Sandra; Schuchter, Patrick; Wegleitner, Klaus

From concern to concept: How Philosophical Practitioners work with end-of-life-topics. Talk.

XXV World Congress of Philosophy. Philosophy across Boundaries. Rom. 03.08.2024.


Read all (ORCID Link)


Memberships

International Society for Philosophical Practice (IGPP)
Professional Association for Philosophical Practice (BV-PP)
German Society for Philosophy (DGPhil)
Systemic Society (SG)
European Network in Aging Studies (ENAS)
Age and Care Research Group (ACRGG)


My heartfelt projects include volunteering as chair with the Care Working Group and the Academy Working Group.