CFP: “Tracing Genealogy” — Warwick Continental Philosophy Conference 2026

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Warwick Annual Continental Philosophy Conference (WCPC)

Tracing Genealogy

Event Type: Graduate Conference (On-site)

Location: University of Warwick, United Kingdom

Conference Dates: 29th–30th June 2026

Topic Areas: Continental Philosophy; Genealogy; Nietzsche; Foucault

Conference Details

Within Continental philosophy, genealogy is most associated with Nietzsche’s critical historicisations and/or psychologisations of our moral practices and beliefs—and with Foucault’s subsequent ‘histories of the present’ investigations into the contingent development of contemporary institutions and the discourses surrounding them. However, the notion of genealogy is not confined to the Nietzschean tradition. David Hume’s ‘experimental’ enquiries into the origins of our religious and causal beliefs—offering more traditional debunking arguments—are also increasingly considered to come under its methodological umbrella.

Conversely, Bernard Williams, drawing on Locke and Hobbes, develops a vindicatory form of genealogy that seeks to legitimate our existing ethical virtues by uncovering the genuine moral and political needs they address. More recently, Julian Ratcliffe has labelled a strand of contemporary Anglophone work—associated with figures such as Brandom, Dutilh Novaes, and Queloz—rationalising genealogy. This approach seeks to uncover normative commitments latent within existing conceptual resources, thereby connecting genealogy to themes of Hegelian reconciliation and Carnapian conceptual engineering.

The conference aims to bring together work that examines genealogical approaches and the fundamental questions they raise about critique, normativity, historical explanation, and philosophical method, highlighting their continuing importance across Continental and Anglophone philosophy.

To support these aims, the conference will provide a constructive and supportive environment for detailed philosophical feedback. Presenters will deliver a 30-minute paper, followed by a 5-minute response and a 25-minute open discussion. We aim to arrange faculty respondents for all graduate speakers.

The term ‘graduate conference’ is intended in a broad sense. We also welcome submissions by researchers who obtained their PhD in recent years.

Keynote Speakers

Alexander Prescott-Couch (University of Oxford)

(Additional keynote to be announced)

Indicative Questions

Indicative questions applicants might consider include (but are not limited to):

·         How does genealogy diverge from (or relate to) philosophical hermeneutics?

·         To what extent does the so-called ‘genetic fallacy’ limit genealogy’s critical force?

·         Can the concept of genealogy be applied to thinkers beyond those conventionally classified as genealogists, —e.g. Marx, Heidegger—who, although not explicitly employing the notion, advance plausibly genealogical (as well as quasi- or pseudo-genealogical) arguments?

·         What could speculative histories of our future, as opposed to our past or present, yield for philosophical enquiry?

·         What methodological criteria, if any, distinguish successful genealogies from merely historical or rhetorical narratives?

We particularly welcome submissions which place the Anglophone and Continental traditions into dialogue. To this end, we also welcome submissions relating to the topic of history in philosophy more broadly—although applicants explicitly engaging with genealogy will be prioritised.

Submission Guidelines

Your submission should include:

1.       A fully anonymised paper suitable for a 30-minute presentation (max. 3,500 words, excluding bibliography and/or abstract).

2.       A separate cover sheet containing:

o   Name

o   Institutional affiliation

o   Contact information

o   Paper title

o   Brief biographical note (max. 300 words).

Please send all documents to the WCPC committee at [email protected]. Please use ‘Submission: Tracing Genealogy’ in the subject line and title your submitted paper as follows: WCPC_short_title (e.g.: WCPC_Nietzsche’s_Genealogies). Submissions that are nearly complete drafts are also welcome and will be given equal consideration.

Submission & Notification Timeline

·         Submission deadline: 18:00 (GMT) on 15th April 2026

·         Acceptance notification: 15th May 2026

Hosting & Travel Bursary

Accommodation will be provided for travelling presenters. We will also invite presenters to join us for dinner after each day’s sessions.

Subject to funding, a limited number of partial travel bursaries may be available.Applicants from junior, non-traditional, or underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to indicate this in their cover sheets and will be given priority for support.

Enquiry & Detailed Instructions

For any enquiries, please contact: [email protected].

For further information and detailed instructions, please visit our website: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/philosophy/research/activities/postkantian/events/wcpc/

Additional Information

The WCPC is an annual event within The Centre for Research in Post-Kantian European Philosophy (University of Warwick). The organising committee adheres to the BPA and SWIP guidelines on equality, diversity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

Organising Committee

Rozemin Keshvani (Lead Organiser)

Keyu Qiu (Lead Organiser)

Oscar Crocker

Shifan Zhou

Sam Ronalds