Classical German Philosophy and its Legacy

Classical German Philosophy and its Legacy

Graduate Conference

University of Stuttgart

For some time, Classical German and early Analytic Philosophy seemed to represent two fundamentally different schools of thought. However, a more profound analysis reveals a continuity in their theoretical explorations. Both paradigmatic authors of Classical German Philosophy such as Kant and Hegel as well as pioneers of Analytic Philosophy such as Frege and Wittgenstein engaged deeply with questions about the nature of thinking, the role of language for thought, the feasibility of a science of logic beyond mathematical boundaries, and the complex interplay between thought and being.

The conference aims to explore, discuss, and elucidate the historical and systematic connections between Classical German Philosophy (particularly the works of Kant and Hegel) and early Analytic Philosophy (with a focus on Frege and Wittgenstein), assessing their ongoing relevance. Key questions include: Is the study of thought confined to psychology, or is there an alternative science of thought beyond empirical psychology? Should we conceive of logic as a science of thinking that extends beyond a mathematical study of logical forms? Is thought inherently mediated by language? What is the connection between the act of judgment and its content? And how do subjective thinking and the structures of the objective world interrelate?

This conference is designed for PhD candidates and post-docs. It aims to foster dialogue among young researchers interested in these topics, providing a platform to present and discuss work in progress. The conference is scheduled for June 29 and 30, 2024 and will take place at the University of Stuttgart. Participants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to attend! 

Each presenter will have 30 minutes for their presentation, followed by 45 minutes of discussion. Abstracts (up to 500 words) should be submitted by February 29, 2024, in .pdf format to anditslegacy@gmail.com. Please include your name, contact information, and academic affiliation in a separate section of the email. As this is an international conference, presentations will be in English. 

The conference is hosted by the Chair of Philosophy and History of Philosophy at the University of Stuttgart (Prof. Dr. Christian Martin). A number of senior scholars including Silver Bronzo (Chicago/Stuttgart), James Conant (Chicago), Christian Martin (Stuttgart), and David Wörner (Zurich) will participate in the event as discussants.

The University of Stuttgart will cover expenses for accommodation and meals during the conference. 

For inquiries, please contact anditslegacy@gmail.com. 

Organizers: Giuliano Infantino, M.A. and Marco Seikel, M.A.