We are glad to give notice of the call for papers The Concept of Dialectic in Classical German Philosophy, for the 21st Conference of the International Network of Transcendental Philosophy and German Idealism, which will find place on October 2nd-4th, 2024, at the University of Barcelona, Department of Philosophy.

The conference is organized by Bruna Picas, José María Sánchez de León, and Pablo Genazzano.

Interested participants are invited to submit a 500-word abstract to by June 15th, 2024.
English will be the main language, although also German, Catalan, and Spanish are accepted.

For further information, inquiries, and submissions please contact: dialektik2024@gmail.com.

Please find below the abstract of the conference.

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Ohne dialektische Kunst ist keine wissenschaftliche Philosophie!

Schelling’s assertion brilliantly highlights the concept of dialectic’s central significance within Classical German Philosophy. Subjected to thorough scrutiny by modern scholars, particularly within Kantian and Hegelian studies, dialectic continues to stir lively discussions about its role and importance.

Beginning with Kant, the term ‘dialectic’ transitions from a mere method or art of debate, as held by Plato and Aristotle, to signify a fundamental operation intrinsic to reason itself. In the Kantian framework, ‘dialectic’ acquires a dual nature: it represents both reason’s propensity for self-contradiction as well as its critical reflection on these contradictions’ origins, marking a crucial juncture in the Critique of Pure Reason.

Fichte’s works, though sparingly mentioning ‘dialectic’, intrinsically adopt a dialectical approach. This is particularly discernible in his synthetic procedure, showcased in the formulation of the three fundamental principles of the Wissenschaftslehre that synthesize the dichotomy between the Self and the not-Self.

It is with Schelling that the label ‘dialectical’ is applied to such processes, a characterization later endorsed by Hegel. Henceforth, the notion of dialectic became inextricably linked to philosophy’s scientific endeavour. Hegel carried this idea to its full development, albeit his treatment of this term is not free from ambiguities. In the Enzyklopädie, Hegel, paralleling Schelling, declares dialectic to be the very essence of all genuine scientific inquiry. Yet, he also characterizes it as the animating principle of all dynamism, life, and genuine action, hence presenting dialectic in a dual light.

While we anticipate the majority of contributions to this conference to focus on Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel, our goal is to broaden the dialogue to encompass the full spectrum of classical German philosophy. We are eager to consider novel interpretations of dialectic, and its historical impact on 20th and 21st-century philosophical trends and encourage the examination of the concept of dialectic in the works of lesser-known philosophers.

We also intend to publish the contributions.