CFP: The future of theory and philosophy of history

The first conference of the recently established International Network for Theory of History is entitled “The future of the theory and philosophy of history”. We invite scholars, from around the world working in the field, to offer their response to some of the following questions: What binds philosophers or theorists of history? Can we articulate common questions, themes and objects of research that historical theorists should be concerned with? Should the theory of history be seen as a field unto itself with its own research goals, can (or should) it exist as a purely critical perspective in regard to other already existing disciplines (e.g. historiography, anthropology, sociology) or practices (e.g. public history, truth commissions, transitional justice)? In other words, does the philosophy of history (still) have a critical function? Should theorists of history start to focus more on ‘practical pasts’? Should theory of history be limited to a philosophy of historiography or should it also include substantial theories of broader historical phenomena? Is there a legitimate role for philosophers of history or should theory of history be the exclusive domain of practicing historians themselves?

We would therefore like to invite scholars from far and near to reflect on the past, present and future of the theory and philosophy of history. We encourage contributions that not only take stock of the insights, questions and dilemmas within the vast literature that has emerged in the last decades, but also indicate possible paths for future investigation.

Practical information  

The conference will be held in Ghent (Belgium) on 10, 11 and 12 July 2013 and will be hosted by a new organization called The International Network for Theory of History (INTH). The goal of this network is to unite theorists and philosophers of history from around the world by offering a forum for scholars to contact one another, exchange ideas, and to share their resources as well as their questions. To this end we have also launched a new website www.inth.ugent.be which we hope will facilitate international collaboration.  

Those interested in taking part in the conference are asked to send in abstracts of 200 to 300 words to: [email protected] by January 15th 2013.

Confirmed invited speakers

• Frank Ankersmit
• Elizabeth Deeds Ermarth
• Wulf Kansteiner
• Ethan Kleinberg
• Allan Megill
• Jörn Rüsen
• Gabrielle Spiegel

More information

More information and the full call for papers can be found on our website: