CFP: Human Ecology: dwelling as care for the environment and relationships

In recent years, a broad international debate has emerged regarding the concept of human ecology, which includes environmental, social, relational, and cultural dimensions. Human ecology examines the fundamental connection between individuals, their environment, and the relationships that shape them, identifying dwelling as a form of care for the environment, others, and oneself.

This perspective necessitates moving beyond a solely technical understanding of the environment to rediscover its anthropological, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. Dwelling is not merely a material or economic phenomenon; it reflects the human capacity to form relationships, steward nature, and foster a more just and supportive coexistence.

The conference seeks to examine, from an interdisciplinary perspective, human ecology as a foundational element for cultivating a culture of care. This objective aligns with the central goal of the three-year research project “For a Culture of Care. A Response to the Anthropological Crisis” (https://www.ifanthropology.org/una-cultura-della-cura-una-risposta-alla-crisi-antropologica;https://www.pusc.it/research-project/care).

The conference will feature plenary lectures by internationally recognized speakers and sessions comprising presentations selected through a Call for Abstracts.

Special emphasis will be placed on contributions addressing the following topics:

• Dwelling as care for otherness: philosophical, anthropological, and theological perspectives
• Human ecology and the environment: from sustainability to responsibility for otherness
• Relationships, community, and proximity: social dimensions of dwelling
• Technology, city, and digital society: new challenges for human ecology
• Urban life, domestic life, and civic coexistence, facing the challenges of technology and digitalization
• Intercultural and interreligious dialogue to promote care for our common home

Those interested must send an abstract (about 300 words, in Spanish or English) to: [email protected]; [email protected] by November 22, 2025. Authors of selected abstracts will be notified by December 5, 2025.

Conference registration must be completed by December 28, 2025.

The conference proceedings of will be published by a prestigious publisher (Springer/Palgrave). Certificates of participation will be issued to those interested.