Social Autonomy and the Radical Imaginary: 100 years from the birth of Cornelius Castoriadis

Internationally renowned as the leading philosopher of autonomy, Cornelius Castoriadis (1911-1997) left a remarkable intellectual legacy. Co-founder of the Socialisme ou Barbarie group and author of the now classic philosophical work ‘The Imaginary Institution of Society’, Castoriadis’ contributions to social philosophy, political theory, political economy and psychoanalysis remain a source of inspiration for both academics, political activists and social movements. Commemorating 100 years since Castoriadis’ birth, the Centre of Analysis for Social Policy organizes a one-day (hybrid) conference on Friday, 23 September 2022. We will be joined by academic scholars, writers and activists from the UK and abroad to critically appraise Castoriadis work on autonomy and social institutions and explore new directions of research that engage with his philosophical concepts and socio-political analysis.

→ IN PERSON: The conference will take place on Friday, 23/09/2022 (10:15 AM – 5:15 PM BST), in the University of Bath, UK.

→ ONLINE: Registration (for free) and details (for zoom link): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-autonomy-and-the-radical-imaginary-cornelius-castoriadis-tickets-385661272247

Program

9:00-10:00 Coffee and Refreshments

10:00-10:10 Welcoming words from Dr. Emma Carmel,
Associate Dean for Research, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
(University of Bath)

10:10-10:30 Introduction to the Workshop: Cornelius Castoriadis and the
project of Autonomy
Theodoros Papadopoulos
Director, Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy
(University of Bath)

10.30-11:10 Time and Autonomy in the philosophy of Cornelius Castoriadis
Alexandros Schismenos (Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki)

11:00-11:30 ‘What Democratic Education? – Jacques Rancière’s Ignorant Schoolmaster at 35 and paideia in Cornélius Castoriadis at 100’
Clémence Saintemarie (School of Philosophy, University College Dublin, Ireland)

11:30-11:45 Coffee and Refreshments

11:45-12:15 Power, Knowledge and Policy in the work of Cornelius Castoriadis
Theodoros Papadopoulos (University of Bath)

12:15-12:45 The Philosophy of Castoriadis in the Time of the Absence of
a Political Proposal
Nikos Ioannou (Athens School cooperative)

13:00-14:00 Lunch Buffet & Coffee

14:00-14:30 London Solidarity & Cornelius Castoriadis: An Autopoietic Affair
Chris Spannos (Independent Researcher)

14:30-15:00 Organizational Studies and the Castoriadian Imagination
Prof. Marianna Fotaki (Warwick Business School)

15:00-15:15 Coffee and Refreshments

15:15 – 15:45 Political Challenges and the Crisis of Criticism
Yavor Tarinski (Transnational Institute of Social Ecology)

15:50-16:20 Castoriadis, Crip Time and Disability Rights

Prof. Ravi Malhotra (University of Ottawa) and
Jacqueline Moizer (University of Ottawa)

16:20 – 17:20 Round Table Discussion – Autonomy and the Radical Imaginary in the 21st
century: Cornelius Castoriadis as a source of inspiration

17:20-17:30 End of the International Symposium

19:00 Dinner (Venue TBC)