Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage
hosts the 3rd Annual
SUMMER SCHOOL OF PHENOMENOLOGY AND PHENOMENOLOGICAL PHILOSOPHY:
PHENOMENOLOGY AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
VENICE, JULY 07-10, 2015
The Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage of Ca’ Foscari University Venice (Italy) is pleased to host the third edition of the SSPPP (Summer School of Phenomenology and Phenomenological Philosophy), 07-10.7.2015.
Seminars will be led by:
- Patrice Canivez (University of Lille)
- Daniele de Santis (Seattle University)
- Nicolas de Warren (Husserl Archives at KU Leuven)
- Matteo Giannasi (Ca’ Foscari University Venice)
- Burt Hopkins (Seattle University)
- Edouard Jolly (University of Leuven)
- Claudio Majolino (University of Lille)
- Darian Meacham (University of the West of England)
- Gianluigi Paltrinieri (Ca’ Foscari University Venice)
- Emiliano Trizio (Seattle University)
SSPPP Program | Abstracts | Faculty Info
PHENOMENOLOGY AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
The relation between phenomenology and political philosophy can be ranged among the least investigated themes of the phenomenological tradition, to the point that it is legitimate to claim that the potentialities of this field of study have barely begun to be explored. The reasons for this widespread and persistent forgetfulness are often deemed to be rooted in the history of phenomenology itself, which has been marked by the predominance of foundational issues revolving chiefly around the theory of knowledge (Husserl) and the problem of being (Heidegger). Indeed, although a number of prominent authors belonging to this tradition have produced a considerable amount of work on social and political philosophy, and have, for better or worse, actively participated to the political life of their time, it is not always clear to what extent their contribution to the reflection on social and political issues stems from their phenomenological outlook, rather than being just juxtaposed to it. This is true both of Heidegger’s tragic proximity to Nazism, and of the Marxist creed predominant among some post-war phenomenologists. Subsequently, the so-called end of ideologies and the predominance of an apolitical academic style of philosophy have widened the gulf between a highly technical discipline such as phenomenology and the reflection on the surrounding political and social context. Ethical and broadly existential issues have thus replaced the strongly political and practical concerns of authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre in France, Enzo Paci in Italy or Ludwig Landgrebe in Germany, to name a few. Yet, more recently, a number of works has renewed the interest in the way in which phenomenology can give a valuable contribution to issues fundamental to political philosophy: intersubjectivity, life-world, the constitution of social and cultural objects, the concepts of state and democracy, power, authority and technology, the reflection on the meaning of history and on the philosophical idea of Europe. Consequently, it has now become possible to highlight an underlying political motive that permeates 20th Century phenomenology since its inception (from Husserl to Patočka, from Heidegger to Arendt), reassess the judgments of its most prominent critiques (from the Frankfurt School to various post-modern appraisals) and, further, to pave the way to new original phenomenological investigations in this area, as well as to a confrontation with other major trends in political philosophy.
No previous background in phenomenology is required. On the final day of the seminar, advanced students will be encouraged to give a personal contribution to the School’s activities.
Language: English
The number of attendants being limited, a selection will take place among aspirant students. Applicants are kindly requested to send a CV and a sample of writing (optional) to phenomenologysummerschool@gmail.com
Deadline for application: May 23, 2015 (Late applicants will be shortlisted and contacted on the basis of the number of attendants).
Notification of acceptance: May 24, 2015
The event is organized and sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage of Ca’ Foscari University Venice.
Participation fee: 100 euro (50 for Ca’ Foscari students).