We are glad to announce that an international conference on the topic “German Classical Philosophy and Naturalism” will be held at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. on December 14-16, 2017.
A call for papers is now open for submissions (see the call’s full text below).
Confirmed speakers
Anton Barba-Kay (The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.)
Shaun Gallagher (University of Memphis)
Fredrick Neuhouser (Columbia University, NYC)
Karen NG (Vanderbilt University, Nashville)
Robert Pippin (University of Chicago)
Call for papers
Very recent inquiries into Hegel’s philosophy highlight the role of nature in the Hegelian understanding of human mind, spirit, social interaction, recognition, second nature and normativity. Accordingly, Hegel’s naturalism represents a good theoretical perspective for the investigation of the arduous concept of spirit by relating it to the notion of nature and explaining it as emerging from natural prerequisites. May it be assumed that Hegel is a naturalist as he follows the path and the project of the Aristotelian naturalism by dealing with the continuity between life and cognition, nature and spirit in several parts of his works? Moreover, could we by means of this approach understand how Hegel explores the life-mind continuity? Does this issue have relevant interdisciplinary consequences for current philosophy of biology, neurophysiology, evolutionary psychology, and social theory?
However, the topic of nature has also been very important and central within the entire philosophical tradition known as German classical philosophy to which Hegel’s thinking belongs. It is beyond doubt that his reflection on naturalism was developed within this tradition and by the philosophical debate at that time.
Therefore, the conference will address both the theme of naturalism in German classical philosophy from Kant to Hegel and the relevant interdisciplinary and theoretical aspects it attains in Hegelian philosophy.
Papers focusing on the following topics are welcome:
- Kant’s teleology
- Schelling’s philosophy of nature
- Schelling/Fichte debate on nature
- Goethe’s, Herder’s philosophy of nature
- Second nature in German classical philosophy
- Hegel’s concept of life
- Spirit-nature relation in the Jena Writings, Phenomenology and Encyclopedia
- Natural recognition and social interaction
- Interdisciplinary aspects related to philosophy of biology, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology.
Submission deadline: 31 August 2017
Submission Guidelines
Extended abstracts of at least 1500 and no more than 2000 words prepared for blind review should be sent before 31st August to: hegnat.project@gmail.com. Submissions from underrepresented groups are welcome. Acceptance will be notified by 30th September.
There are no registration fees; but selected participants will have to cover their travel and accommodation costs by themselves.
Scientific Organization
Terry Pinkard (Georgetown University)
Italo Testa (University of Parma)
Guido Seddone (Georgetown University and University of Parma)