Call for Abstracts
\n11-12th June 2026
\nStellenbosch University\, South Africa (and Hybrid/MS Teams)
\nPhilosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life are experiencing a period of renewed interest\, marked by several significant forthcoming publications and the emergence of new scholarly societies internationally. Within this broader international context\, a growing and sustained conversation has begun to take shape in South Africa\, one that asks what these practices mean when thought from a South African place\, and what such situated reflection might contribute to the wider field.
\nThis symposium\, Thinking about Philosophical Counselling and Philosophy as a Way of Life from a South African Place\, is a direct response to this conversation. It aims to bring together philosophers\, practitioners\, postgraduate students\, and those with a shared interest in these questions to foster a space for sustained and open dialogue.
\nThemes and Scope/Possible topics
\nThe aim of the symposium is to think about philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life from within South African contexts. Possible topics include\, but are not limited to:
\nSituatedness\, lifeworlds\, and the question of place
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; How South African lifeworlds shape/transform the theory and practice of these practices.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; The plurality of South African contexts and their philosophical significance.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Historical/cultural situatedness in philosophical practice.
\nAfrican philosophy and decolonial orientations
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Decolonial perspectives on philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Rethinking these practices from African philosophical perspectives.
\nPractice\, experience\, and ethical field
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Ethical challenges of practicing philosophical counselling in South African contexts.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Lived experiences of practicing philosophical counselling in South Africa.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Case reflections/studies and practitioner narratives.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Community-based and group approaches to philosophical counselling.
\nLanguage\, access\, and inclusion
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Language\, translation\, and multilingual philosophical practice.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Questions of accessibility and inclusivity in philosophical practice.
\nIntersections\, method\, and future directions
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Intersections between these practices and other disciplines.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Methodological questions in relation to practice.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Challenges and opportunities these practices in South African and beyond.
\nOpen category
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Other contributions that engage broadly with the symposium theme.
\nAbstract Details
\nPlease send 300-500 word abstracts to: philosophicalcounsellingza@gmail.com \;
\nSubmissions must include:
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; the author&rsquo\;s name\, email address\, and institutional affiliation (if applicable)\, and \;
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; if you will attend in-person or virtually.
\nImportant Dates
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Deadline for abstract submissions: 5th April 2026.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Notice of acceptance: 12th April 2026.
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Symposium dates: 11-12th June 2026.
\nFormat
\nTo encourage sustained engagement\, the final presentations (in-person and hybrid) should span 25-30 minutes\, followed by 25-30 minutes of discussion and/or dialogue. The focus will be on having open conversations and dialogue. There will be no parallel sessions.
\nIn keeping with the dialogical orientation of the symposium\, practice-based\, reflective\, and experimental formats are welcomed and encouraged. These may include co-presented contributions\, dialogical or conversational presentations\, structured case reflections\, reports from practice\, and other forms that open a space for shared thinking.
\nA special issue in Philosophical Practice is planned as a continuation of the conversations initiated at the symposium. A separate Call for Papers (CFP) will be circulated after the event\, inviting contributions that have emerged from\, or been transformed through\, the conversations at the Stellenbosch symposium. \;
\nFor any further inquiries please email: philosophicalcounsellingza@gmail.com
ORGANIZER;CN=Jaco Louw: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR