The Café Central Debate

The Café Central Debate concerns the interpretation of a famous 1913 photograph taken at Vienna’s Café Central, where prominent intellectuals like Freud and Jung are seen engaging in discussion. Some scholars argue the photo captures a significant moment highlighting early 20th-century scientific and philosophical exchanges. Others suggest it’s a staged or symbolic image representing the era’s intellectual vitality. The debate revolves around understanding the context, authenticity, and purpose of the photograph, illuminating how visual documentation shapes our perception of historical intellectual communities and their influence on modern thought.