The 1st Asia Spinoza Circle Annual International Workshop

Date: July 30-31, 2026
Venue: Kobe University, Japan (in-person)
Theme: Any topic related to Benedictus de Spinoza
Organizer: Asia Spinoza Circle

Keynote Speaker: Kokubun Koichiro, University of Tokyo

The Asia Spinoza Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce its inaugural Annual International Workshop, establishing a new platform for sustained scholarly exchange among Spinoza researchers connected to Asia. This intensive two-day workshop will bring together a select group of scholars for in-depth discussion of current research in Spinoza studies.

About the Asia Spinoza Circle

The ASC is a collaborative network connecting Spinoza scholars across Asia. We welcome researchers with connections to Asia—whether through origins in Asian countries, cultural and intellectual backgrounds, current institutional affiliations with Asian institutions, or sustained engagement with Asian philosophical traditions. Our inclusive network fosters intellectual exchange and builds a vibrant community exploring Spinoza’s philosophy through diverse Asian perspectives and contexts.

Workshop Format

• 30-minute presentation followed by 15-minute discussion

• Maximum 12 speakers will be selected for intensive scholarly exchange

• English-language presentations

Submission Guidelines

We invite abstracts on any aspect of Spinoza’s philosophy, including but not limited to:

• Historical and textual studies

• Contemporary philosophical engagements

• Comparative philosophical approaches

Abstract Requirements

• 500 words maximum

• Author bio (50-100 words) including current affiliation and research interests

• Submit to: [email protected] (Higuchi, Tomoko)

• Postgraduate students and early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Important Dates

• Abstract Deadline: March 30, 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: End of April 2026

• Full Paper Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026

• Workshop: July 30-31, 2026

Note on Inclusivity

In the context of the ASC, “Asian” is understood broadly and inclusively, encompassing:

• Scholars based at institutions in Asia (including the Middle East, Central Asia, and Oceania)

• Scholars of Asian nationality or heritage, regardless of current institutional affiliation

• Scholars whose intellectual background, research trajectory, or community engagement connects closely with Asian philosophical or cultural contexts

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected](Kim, Ki-Myoung), [email protected](Higuchi, Tomoko)

Homepage:https://sites.google.com/view/asiaspinozacircle

We look forward to receiving your submissions and to inaugurating this new forum for Spinoza scholarship in Asia.