Mind and Culture

Philosophy of mind, treating classical philosophical topics such as consciousness, mental attributes and mental functions with respect to the body and bodily states, in a current context, is one of the most highly represented philosophical disciplines today. The purpose of the symposium “Mind and Culture” is to consider the concept of mind in a broader context, namely, as related to cultural production and social life forms, or the world as “Lebenswelt”. The fundamental character of human mind is visible in the fact that mind not only explains phenomena, but also creates artistic works, creates a world of culture and its institutions, and also interprets and critically evaluates these. In this context the question of “methodical culturalism” as conditioned by already existing linguistic practice or life forms (Wittgenstein) is of central importance.

The idea of ”second nature” which manifests as a result of cultural production of human spirit (Hegel) also plays a significant role in reflection on the concept of “mind”. Critical evaluation of the manifestations of culture mentioned above shows the relevance of the classical concept of education (Bildung), which presupposes the formation of the human spirit and identity in study of the object of investigation. The Institute of Philosophy in Zagreb, which among its other emphases dedicates research to the study of philosophical and cultural heritage and the analysis and evaluation of contemporary philosophical topics, has chosen this topic as theme of its annual symposium “Mind and Culture” in order to consider in depth the complexity and significance of these concepts.

Please send the provisional title (by March 21, 2014) and an abstract (about 500 words) (by September 1, 2014) to [email protected]