The Melbourne Critical Theory Winter School\, presented by the Critical Research Association Melbourne (CRAM)\, is an annual event that takes up a pressing topic confronting contemporary critical theory and philosophy. The inaugural Winter School\, taught by Oliver Feltham and Jessica Whyte\, dealt with the theme &lsquo\;Times of Catastrophe.&rsquo\; Though the catastrophes may not be abating\, CRAM now turns its attention to the theme &lsquo\;Forms of Life.&rsquo\;
\nThe philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein coined this phrase while attempting to show that agreement among humans is not a matter of aligning opinions\, but a question of specific kinds of practice that are at once cultural\, biological and technical. For Wittgenstein\, forms of life were a fundamental given\; for us today\, they are precisely what seem to be in question. In a world teetering at the edge of environmental and political viability\, what are the possibilities for contemporary &lsquo\;forms-of-life&rsquo\; &mdash\; whether human\, post-human\, inhuman\, or non-human?
\nOur two\, very eminent instructors for the 2025 CRAM Winter School have spent their lives examining such questions. We are delighted to welcome \;Claire Colebrook \;(Monash University) and \;Vanessa Lemm \;(University of Greenwich)\, who will lead participants in a full week of immersive collaborative study and intensive discussion. Attendees will be offered a substantial programme of masterclasses\, reading groups\, public lectures\, and screenings.
\nWe welcome participants at all career stages\, and especially encourage graduate students and early-career researchers to apply.
\nStructure:
Participants will attend two 2-hour masterclasses\, four 2-hour morning reading groups (reading packs will be supplied)\, and two 2-hour public lectures throughout the week. In addition to the core program\, several optional activities will be scheduled.
Instructors:
Claire Colebrook \;is Professor of English Literature at Monash University\, Australia. Her recent books include \;Who Would You Kill to Save the World? \;and \;Twilight of the Anthropocene Idols \;(2016\, with Tom Cohen and J. Hillis Miller). \;
Vanessa Lemm \;is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost\, University of Greenwich\, UK. Her recent books include \;Homo Natura: Nietzsche\, Philosophical Anthropology and Biopolitics \;(2020) and \;The Viral Politics of Covid 19: Nature\, Home and Planetary Health \;(2022\, co-edited with Miguel Vatter).
\nFees:
$120 student/unwaged
$180 waged
Participants are responsible for independently organising their travel\, accommodation\, and most meals.
How to apply:
Applications are now open at https://forms.gle/WtXNKH6z1aEC2ygEA. Please prepare a 500-word statement giving details of current/previous education and the relevance of the Winter School&rsquo\;s theme to your academic interests. Places are strictly limited. Applications close 11 May. Successful applicants will be notified by 16 May.