Aristotle and Phenomenology: Departures and Returns

Ever since its inaugural impulse in Brentano’s thinking, phenomenological philosophy has time and again been reborn of an essential confrontation with Aristotle and Aristotelianism. Whether explicitly or implicitly, the development of phenomenological philosophy through its key figures—Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida, Patočka, and others—has sought to measure itself, its distance as well as proximity, in relation to the legacy of Aristotle’s thinking. This presence of Aristotle and Aristotelianism within phenomenological thought has taken different forms, with various thematic orientations (the body, time, language, metaphysics, etc.) and methods of engagement. Yet, an elemental form of this relationship is an incessant movement of departure and return, or searching. The history of phenomenological thought is as emphatically a departure from Aristotle (“metaphysics of presence,” “ontology of substance,” “logical prejudice,” etc.) as it is an emphatic return to the phenomenological yield of Aristotle’s thinking.

The aim of this conference is to examine and explore this rich heritage of Aristotle and Phenomenology. In the context of the celebration of the 2,400 years anniversary “Aristotle Today” (www.c-h-o.eu), the Husserl Archives is soliciting conference papers under the heading “Aristotle and Phenomenology.” Papers are invited on a wide range of possible topics: thematic issues (the body, space, time, etc.), individual thinkers (Brentano, Heidegger, Derrida, etc.), meta-philosophical questions (metaphysics, philosophical method, etc.) and historical influence. Papers can be delivered in English, German, or French.

Please send 1 – 2 page abstract or full paper before August 31, 2016 to [email protected]. Notifications of acceptance will be issued on September 15, 2016. Please send any queries to [email protected].