CFP: Thinking about Philosophical Counselling and Philosophy as a Way of Life from a South African Place

Call for Abstracts

11-12th June 2026

Stellenbosch University, South Africa (and Hybrid/MS Teams)

Philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life are experiencing a period of renewed interest, marked by several significant forthcoming publications and the emergence of new scholarly societies internationally. Within this broader international context, a growing and sustained conversation has begun to take shape in South Africa, one that asks what these practices mean when thought from a South African place, and what such situated reflection might contribute to the wider field.

This symposium, Thinking about Philosophical Counselling and Philosophy as a Way of Life from a South African Place, is a direct response to this conversation. It aims to bring together philosophers, practitioners, postgraduate students, and those with a shared interest in these questions to foster a space for sustained and open dialogue.

Themes and Scope/Possible topics

The aim of the symposium is to think about philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life from within South African contexts. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

Situatedness, lifeworlds, and the question of place

·       How South African lifeworlds shape/transform the theory and practice of these practices.

·       The plurality of South African contexts and their philosophical significance.

·       Historical/cultural situatedness in philosophical practice.

African philosophy and decolonial orientations

·       Decolonial perspectives on philosophical counselling and philosophy as a way of life.

·       Rethinking these practices from African philosophical perspectives.

Practice, experience, and ethical field

·       Ethical challenges of practicing philosophical counselling in South African contexts.

·       Lived experiences of practicing philosophical counselling in South Africa.

·       Case reflections/studies and practitioner narratives.

·       Community-based and group approaches to philosophical counselling.

Language, access, and inclusion

·       Language, translation, and multilingual philosophical practice.

·       Questions of accessibility and inclusivity in philosophical practice.

Intersections, method, and future directions

·       Intersections between these practices and other disciplines.

·       Methodological questions in relation to practice.

·       Challenges and opportunities these practices in South African and beyond.

Open category

·       Other contributions that engage broadly with the symposium theme.

Abstract Details

Please send 300-500 word abstracts to: [email protected]  

Submissions must include:

·       the author’s name, email address, and institutional affiliation (if applicable), and  

·       if you will attend in-person or virtually.

Important Dates

·       Deadline for abstract submissions: 5th April 2026.

·       Notice of acceptance: 12th April 2026.

·       Symposium dates: 11-12th June 2026.

Format

To encourage sustained engagement, the final presentations (in-person and hybrid) should span 25-30 minutes, followed by 25-30 minutes of discussion and/or dialogue. The focus will be on having open conversations and dialogue. There will be no parallel sessions.

In keeping with the dialogical orientation of the symposium, practice-based, reflective, and experimental formats are welcomed and encouraged. These may include co-presented contributions, dialogical or conversational presentations, structured case reflections, reports from practice, and other forms that open a space for shared thinking.

A special issue in Philosophical Practice is planned as a continuation of the conversations initiated at the symposium. A separate Call for Papers (CFP) will be circulated after the event, inviting contributions that have emerged from, or been transformed through, the conversations at the Stellenbosch symposium.  

For any further inquiries please email: [email protected]