Beyond Idealism: Perspectives on Hegel’s Philosophical Legacy

Keynote Speakers:

• Peter Dews (University of Essex)
• Beatrice Han-Pile (University of Essex)
• Rahel Jaeggi (Humboldt University of Berlin)
• Brian O’Connor (University College Dublin)
• Christoph Schuringa (New College of Humanities)
• Tanja Staehler (Sussex)

Conference Description: The renewed interest in Hegel within the English speaking world has contributed immensely to understanding Hegel on an exegetical level. However, the historical significance of his work can only be fully appreciated if it is read in the context of those philosophers who critically engaged with Hegelian ideas and developed them in their own ways. Proponents of such a productive critique of Hegel are (amongst others) Schelling, Kierkegaard, Marx, Adorno, and de Beauvoir. Just as none of these thinkers can be understood without the background of Hegel’s idealism, Hegel’s significance can only be fully appreciated if we also understand him as a crucial point of departure for major currents of thought in 19th and 20th century philosophy.

We invite submissions from PhD students and early career researchers on, but not limited to, the following topics: Direct and indirect criticism of Hegel’s metaphysics, philosophy of history, philosophy of right, and aesthetics; positive use of Hegelian ideas within post-Hegelian thinkers; the relationship between Hegel and British idealism, including the critique of British idealism in early analytic philosophy; early or lesser known figures in the reception of Hegel; reception of Hegel in non-Western contexts.

Please email an abstract of between 500-800 words to [email protected]. 

Papers should be suitable for a 20-30 minute presentation. In the body of the email include: 1) Your name, 2) Title of the paper, 3) Institutional affiliation, role and 4) Contact information (email, phone number, mailing address). The organisers are eager to assemble a demographically diverse programme. To aid in this endeavour, if you are a member of an underrepresented group and wish to identify yourself as such, please include this information in your email. Please send documents in word format or pdf with no identifying information for blind review. 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 29th of May 2022

We are hoping to be able to provide some financial support for speakers. Early career researchers wishing to receive bursaries must have completed their PhD no longer than two years of the conference date.

There may be the possibility of publishing the conference proceedings in a special issue of the Hegel Bulletin.

Further Information: https://beyondidealism.wordpress.com

This event is funded by: the Aristotelean Society, the British Society for the History of Philosophy, the Hegel Society of Great Britain, The Royal Institute of Philosophy, and the White Rose College of the Arts and Humanities.