Aristotle's Methods of Philosophical Inquiry

In recent decades, there has been renewed interest in Aristotle's philosophical methodology, particularly in ethics. Scholars are increasingly examining Aristotle's logical works—especially the  Posterior Analytics —to reassess his methodological tools and strategies. This trend has led to a reevaluation of foundational concepts related to Aristotle's so-called method of  endoxa , his dialectical approach, and his handling of facts, opinions, and appearances across both his practical and theoretical texts.

Researchers are revisiting Aristotle's works in ethics, politics, psychology, metaphysics, physics, and biology to explore his methodological approaches from new perspectives. This conference aims to bring together scholars interested in Aristotle's methods of inquiry, dialectic, logic, rhetoric, and their intersections within his philosophical methodologies.

Possible research themes include, but are not limited to:                                                                                                            

• Endoxa  and the role  endoxa  play in Aristotle's arguments
• Aristotle's conception and use of dialectic in his practical and theoretical texts
• The role of dialectic in his defense of the principle of non-contradiction
• Definitions within Aristotle's philosophical methodology
• Plato's method of division and Aristotle's adaptation and reinterpretation of this method
• The role of rhetoric in Aristotle's philosophical arguments
• Aristotle's treatment of the method of hypothesis
• Aristotle's so-called epistemic optimism

We invite contributions exploring these and related topics.

Confirmed Speakers (In alphabetical order)

• Lucas  Angioni  (University of Campinas)
• Joseph  Bjelde  (Humboldt University)
• Giulia  Bonasio  (Durham University)
• Paolo  Crivelli  (University of Notre Dame)
• Dorothea  Frede  (University of Hamburg)
• Ronja  Hildebrandt  (University of Dortmund)
• Christof  Rapp  (Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich) 

Submission Guidelines

We have a few slots available for additional speakers. We invite extended abstracts of  500 words  that clearly outline the research question, methodology, and relevance to the conference theme.

Early- and mid-career scholars are especially encouraged to send proposals.

Please submit your abstract, along with a short CV (maximum 3 pages), by  15 January 2025  to  [email protected]

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline:  15 January 2025
• Notification of acceptance:  10 February 2025
• Conference dates:  23–24 May 2025

Funding

Accommodation and travel expenses for speakers will be covered if third-party funding is secured.

Contact

For further inquiries, please contact Nevim Borçin at  [email protected]