Logic of Metaphysics

The history of analytic philosophy is essentially told as a history of the development and application of logic on the one hand, and as a continuous discussion of the question of the possibility of metaphysics on the other hand. While logical empiricism believed that metaphysical questions could be exposed as pseudo-problems using the tools of formal logic, developments in modal logic and model theory were partly responsible for the renaissance of metaphysics that we can still observe today. In short, since formal logic is an essential tool and distinguishing feature of analytic philosophy, logic is also crucial in the historical and contemporary discourse on the possibility of metaphysics. In this context, the question arises as to what functions logic fulfills in metaphysics and what questions it enables or prevents. 

The aim of the conference is to shed light on the relationship between analytic metaphysics and its logical toolkit and to trace the historical development of analytic philosophy from a fundamentally anti-metaphysical to a philosophical movement, which is decidedly open towards metaphysics. An examination of the second area of interest is closely linked to the role that logic plays in the dissolution and reformulation of metaphysical problems. This may take the form of systematic contributions to current debates or reviews of historical positions.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

We encourage BA, MA, and M.Ed. students to submit abstracts on the above topic in English. Submissions should include a brief description of the topic (approximately two to three sentences) and an abstract of no more than 400 words for a blind review. Each presenter will have 45 minutes for their presentation, 20 minutes for the talk, and 25 minutes for a Q&A. 

The deadline for submissions is 30.05.26.. Please submit your application as a PDF to [email protected]. Documents need to be anonymized for blind review. Please make sure to use “Abstract Logic of Metaphysics Potsdam 2026”as the subject of the Email.

We particularly encourage students from underrepresented and marginalized groups to submit presentations in order to support diversity and equality at universities. 

All submissions will undergo a blind review. All applicants will be notified by email by 22.06.26.regardless of whether their presentation has been selected. We will contact you for further organizational steps if your presentation is selected.

We are working on financing the conference, however currently we cannot guarantee a full (or even a partial) reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs. Should you be unable to finance your accommodation, please indicate this in your email. A limited number of participants can be accommodated by the local student body.

If you have any questions, please contact the organizers [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your abstracts!