Melbourne Critical Theory Winter School 2025 on ‘Forms of Life’

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 ‘Times of Catastrophe.’ Though the catastrophes may not be abating, CRAM now turns its attention to the theme ‘Forms of Life.’

The 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 ‘forms-of-life’ — whether human, post-human, inhuman, or non-human?

Our 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.

We welcome participants at all career stages, and especially encourage graduate students and early-career researchers to apply.

Structure:
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).

Fees:
$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’s theme to your academic interests. Places are strictly limited. Applications close 11 May. Successful applicants will be notified by 16 May.