International Conference: “Cornelius Castoriadis (1997-2027) : Thirty Years Later”

International Conference: “Cornelius Castoriadis (1997-2027) : Thirty Years Later”

Trie-sur-Baïse (Hautes-Pyrénées, 65, France)

October 27, 28 & 29, 2027

Presentation

In 2027, we will mark thirty years since the passing of Cornelius Castoriadis (1922-1997), a singular thinker whose multifaceted work continues to shape contemporary intellectual thought. Philosopher, economist, psychoanalyst, political theorist, and activist, he developed a powerful and original reflection on freedom, creation, the institution of society, and both individual and collective autonomy. From his younger days in Greece, through Socialisme ou Barbarie, to his passing, his intellectual journey crossed and challenged disciplinary and ideological boundaries. This international conference aims to reexamine, three decades after his death, both the intellectual legacy of the Greek philosopher and the relevance of his conceptual tools for thinking about today’s society. In the face of the challenges of our time, Castoriadis’ thought offers valuable resources to question the very foundations of our societies, political action, and philosophical inquiry.

Objectives

This conference is neither commemorative nor hagiographic. Its purpose is to revive the radical dimensions of Castoriadian thought by engaging it with contemporary challenges, exploring its internal tensions, questioning its assumptions, and envisioning its possible futures. Since elucidation was at the heart of Castoriadis’ project of autonomy, it will serve as the guiding force for our discussions, thirty years later. Fundamentally, this conference seeks to:

• Encourage renewed reading of Castoriadis across different fields of knowledge.

• Engage his thought in a dialogue with contemporary issues.

• Explore the practical uses of his work in social movements, education, clinical practices, and democratic experimentation.

• Map the intellectual lineages, as well as the productive critiques and reinterpretations of his thought, both in France and internationally.

Scientific Organisation

Quentin Mur Rodriguez (Sociologist, University of Ottawa & University Toulouse Jean Jaurès), Emile Le Pessot (Historian, EHESS), Guillaume Plin (Philosopher, University Paris-Nanterre), Savvas Orfanos (Philosopher, University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)

Scientific Committee

Stéphane Vibert, Nicolas Piqué, Philippe Caumières, Florence Giust-Desprairies, Olivier Fressard, Thibault Tranchant, Gilles Labelle, Alexandros Schismenos, Nicolas Poirier