CFP: Michael Polanyi and the Post-Critical Turn

This conference will assess the nature of the "post-critical" turn in late modern Western thought, the relationship between this shift and other contemporaneous developments (e.g., postmodernism), and the enduring relevance of Michael Polanyi's philosophical project.

The conference will also be an opportunity for those beginning their study of Polanyi to interact with experienced Polanyi scholars; graduate students are especially encouraged to attend.

The conference will meet 6-9 June 2018 (Wed-Sat) at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI (west of Milwaukee, just off of I-94).  The nearest international airport is General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, about 45 minutes away; Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is about two hours away.

There will be a one-day workshop on 6 June for those interested in an introductory survey of Polanyi’s thought.  Senior Polanyi scholars will facilitate various sessions on Polanyi’s life and the principal ideas in his major works.  Those new to Polanyi studies, especially graduate students, are especially encouraged to participate in this workshop.

The Society invites proposals for papers that examine the correspondence between Polanyi’s work and other post-critical projects, the place of Polanyi in late modern intellectual history, and other themes related to Polanyi’s thought (e.g., epistemology, semiotics, aesthetics, embodiment, emergence, intellectual history, socio-political order, economics, etc.).  Initial proposals should be no more than 250 words, and can be sent to Andrew Grosso at [email protected].  The deadline for submission of proposals is Sunday, 31 December 2017.  Proposals submitted after this date will be considered only if the schedule can accommodate additional presentations.

Early-bird registration is $240 and opens Friday, 5 January 2018.  Early-bird registration will be available until Friday, 2 March 2016.  Regular registration is $275 and opens 3 March 2018.  Late registration will be $300 and opens 10 May 2018.  Registration fees include access to all conference sessions (including the workshop on Wed) and all meals.

Registration does not include lodgings.  A limited number of guest rooms will be available on the campus of Nashotah House, and can be reserved by contacting Kelly Medina at [email protected] at the Student Services Office; rates for on-campus guest housing range from $50 to $75 per night, and some rooms can be shared.  Nearby hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn (3.3 miles from Nashotah House), Holiday Inn Express (4.7 miles from Nashotah House), AmericInn of Delafield (4.5 miles from Nashotah House), and others.

A limited amount of financial aid is available for those unable to meet the cost of registration, accommodations, and travel.  For more information about financial assistance, please contact Andrew Grosso at [email protected]. 

Additional information regarding the schedule for the conference, lodging, and other details will be available on the website for the Polanyi Society (polanyisociety.org) and will also be published in future issues of Tradition & Discovery.  Those interested can also contact Andrew Grosso at [email protected].