The Metaphysics of Cosmology

We are pleased to announce the 'Metaphysics of Cosmology' workshop, to be held September 10–12, 2025, at the Institute of Philosophy, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland.

The workshop will explore metaphysical questions arising from contemporary physical theories of cosmology and spacetime, with particular focus on the nature of spacetime and the interrelationship between space, time, and spacetime.

Confirmed speakers include:

• James Read
• Oliver Pooley
• James Owen Weatherall
• Karim Thebault
• Silvia de Bianchi
• Henrique Gomes
• Cody Gilmore
• Eleanor March
• Antonis Antoniou
• Nicola Bamonti

We invite submissions of abstracts (max. 500 words) for presentations on topics related to the workshop. We especially encourage submissions on the following topics:

• Time in cosmology (e.g. cosmic time, absolute time in cosmological models)
• Shape dynamics
• 3+1 and Hamiltonian approaches to general relativity
• The unification of space and time in special and general relativity
• Interpretations of special relativity and Lorentz transformations (e.g. fragmentalism)

To submit: Please send your abstract to [email protected] by June 7, 2025.

We expect to select one contributed speaker. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered. We particularly encourage submissions from early career researchers and those from underrepresented groups in philosophy.

This workshop is generously supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) through a Scientific Exchange grant (grant number IZSEZ0_235599).