Ninth International Conference on Philosophy and Meaning in Life

Ninth International Conference on Philosophy and Meaning in Life

University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Keynote speakers:

Jens Johansson (Uppsala University)

Antti Kauppinen (University of Helsinki)

About the conference

The philosophical exploration of life’s meaning—understood broadly as inquiry into the ultimate value, purpose, and intelligibility of human existence—has been a central concern throughout the history of thought. From classical reflections on the nature of eudaimonia, to medieval and early modern debates about the summum bonum, to contemporary discussions of absurdity, vocation, and existential orientation, the question of what makes life meaningful continues to draw deep and diverse philosophical engagement.

In recent years, this longstanding theme has witnessed a marked resurgence within professional philosophy, generating a rich body of new scholarship across traditions, methodologies, and subfields. The International Conference on Philosophy and Meaning in Life has emerged as the leading global forum for advancing this discourse—bringing together researchers to present original work, foster dialogue, and engage with the latest developments in the field.

In August 2027, the conference will take place at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Gothenburg, in Sweden. The Humanities building (“Humanisten”) is located quite close to the city center. The format of the conference will be in-person.

Local organiser

• Frans Svensson (University of Gothenburg)

Steering committee

• Kiki Berk (Southern New Hampshire University)
• Nobuo Kurata (Soka University)
• Iddo Landau (University of Haifa)
• David Matheson (Carleton University)
• Thaddeus Metz (University of Pretoria)
• Masahiro Morioka (Waseda University)
• Tatsuya Murayama (Tohoku University) 
• Yujin Nagasawa (University of Oklahoma)
• Rivka Weinberg (Scripps College)

Abstract submission

We invite abstract submission from scholars at all career stages. Contributions may address any dimension of life’s meaning, broadly construed. We aim to accept 36 papers (3 parallel sessions, 2 speakers in each session). Each speaker will have 45 minutes total, including time for discussion.

We welcome diverse philosophical approaches—analytic, continental, historical, comparative, and interdisciplinary—that speak to the enduring and evolving nature of these existential questions.

Please send a single Word document containing (i) your name, (ii) institutional affiliation, (iii) the title of your paper, and (iv) a 300 – 500 word abstract to [email protected] by January 10, 2027.

You will be notified of the outcome by March 15, 2027.

Publication

Speakers will be encouraged to submit their papers in a special issue of the Journal of Philosophy of Life.

Conference fee

There will be a conference fee for regular conference participants covering coffee and lunch both days, and the conference dinner on the evening of August 17. The exact amount will depend on whether we are able to acquire any external funding for the conference, but it will probably land somewhere between 130 and 175 euros per person.  

A conference web page will be created closer to the event.