Futures. Imagining the world of tomorrow

The 2016 edition of the Summer School focuses on the theme of the future, which shall be examined in connection with our present condition. Indeed, the relationship between present and future is something particularly compelling, because it refers to dynamic and relational aspects of the human existence to be understood in terms of an overall “project” and, furthermore, it offers a critical and normative interpretation of the present. In this context, the concept of future refers immediately to the idea of “utopia”, which – as stated by Thomas More – does not just refer to something impossible and unrealisable, but also to something not-yet-here which may inspire present-day action.

Nowadays the theme of the future presents itself in its utter urgency. Indeed, we live in a world where the cultural and social efforts devoted to new and original realisations seem to have lost their transformational strength and fall short of providing us with the necessary capability of future. Firstly, the recent global financial crisis has certainly weakened our belief in the future and in the related trends of renaissance, which actually exist, although they do not seem to have gained yet sufficient energy. Secondly, the difficulties related to the harmonization and appreciation of diversities (especially the ethnic and religious ones) and the problem of economic and social justice have prevented diversities from developing their innovative resources, especially in Europe. Last but not least, education (both in its “formal” and “informal” meaning) is still rather underestimated by western and European countries as regards its relevance in enhancing our capability of creating future. As a consequence, strategies, practices, and educational systems fail in effectively addressing the mentioned crisis and are not engaged as they should in promoting critical thinking and social integration, in providing existential and professional opportunities, in enhancing citizens’ democratic competencies.

For these reasons the Summer School 2016 endeavours to analyse the possible contribution of the debate on the future as a critical lens of our present-day condition. For instance, how is it possible to imagine and carry out a renovation of individual and collective existence in spite of the overall resistance opposed by conservative systems? 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for the CeSPeC Summer School 2016 are open.

Our research Centre offers both undergraduates and postgraduates the chance to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are dispensed in the form of a partial reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses incurred to participate in the Summer School. Recipients of the scholarships will have to attend to the whole four days event in order to be eligible for the scholarship. Taking part in the panel organised on the 17th of September is not mandatory. The trip from Cuneo to Savigliano and the lunch in Savigliano on the 16th of September are organised and offered by CeSPeC.

The Summer School is open to all those interested, and especially to undergraduates, postgraduates (such as PhD students and Post-Docs), and scholars specialised in the following disciplines: philosophy, sociology, anthropology, law, religious studies, modern and contemporary history, science and technology.

The selected candidates shall benefit of the following contribute:

Province of Cuneo: 80,00 €

Piedmont: 150,00 €

Other italian regions: 250,00 €

Foreign Countries: 350,00€

Please note that the amount shall be calculated on the basis of the fiscal residence, rather than the domicile.

FORMS

As part of the application form you will need to send by e-mail the following documents or information:

a) Curriculum Vitae (CV);

b) Personal statement: a short written statement (up to 2000 characters) outlining the reason(s) for taking part in the Summer School, and what you hope to gain from the Summer School programme;

c) Personal data and contacts (e-mail address and phone number).

Applications must be sent by the 31st of July 2016. You will receive communication about the decision within 20 days after the application deadline.

Selected applicants will have to register one hour before the first panel of the Summer School at the ex-Mater Amabilis University branch (Via Ferraris di Celle, 2 – Cuneo).     

CALL FOR PAPERS 

During the Summer School one panel will be dedicated to the presentation and discussion of proposals by the scholarship recipients (up to 20 minutes each), dealing with the main theme. The proposals will be selected by the CeSPeC research group and will be published after the event.

Applicants who are interested in delivering a presentation must send, along with their application form, the abstract-form attached to this announcement duly completed within the 31st of July 2016. A maximum of 6 abstracts will be selected.

Please note that the presentation is not compulsory. It is therefore possible to apply:

1) For a scholarship only;

2) For a scholarship and the presentation.

It is not possible to apply solely for a presentation.

The scientific team will accept contributions from any scientific field. Contributions are expected to address the main topic by focusing on one of the following themes:

• Creativity. Against the rhetoric concerning the irreversibility of the crisis, this theme underlines the presence of renewal, experimentation and cultural, artistic, social, religious and political renaissance;
•  Generativity and innovation as dimensions able to renovate tradition and produce values and meanings in opposition to the structural and systemic elements;
• Bonds and affections. These concepts are linked to the individual exigence of creating relationships addressed to a common project;
• The appreciation of diversities (perspectives, values, cultures, gender, generations, abilities and competences, etc.);
• The solicitude towards the future as the cornerstone of a global reformulation of questions such as policy, justice, equality, and responsibility;
• Education and pedagogy, as intrinsically characterised by a tension of perspectives related to the effort of imagining and operationally enhancing a shared “project” of not-yet realized possibilities.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will be evaluated by a commission, chosen by the organization committee.

Applications sent via telefax or via traditional mail will not be considered. Please note that no hard copies of documents will have to be submitted along with the application.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications must be addressed to the CeSPeC’s administrative office, at the following e-mail address: [email protected] (confirm option is suggested).