Actual problems and critical situations – such as ecological crisis and political disruption – have more and more shown the need for a thought that can be effective, but nonetheless not all-encompassing. This conference proposes „experimenting philosophy of religion“ as field, method and a performative mode of exchange: a practice of inquiry that acknowledges precarity and embraces provisional possibilities of thinking. We treat „experiment“ in its full sense: trial, risk, and iterative testing, where concepts are articulated, confronted, and, when necessary, allowed to fail. Experimentation is not external to philosophy of religion but constitutive of it, insofar as the field opens possibilities for creating what is other – new conceptual and practical configurations – while attending to how these emerge within existing disciplines. We convene multiperspective approaches to pressing questions in politics, ecology, and aesthetics: What perspectives does the philosophy of religion offer on the climate crisis? How can these insights inform political and social practice? How do aesthetic experiences and approaches reflect philosophical-religious research, and vice versa?
We particularly invite early career researchers to submit their work. We welcome contributions that take unconventional and exploratory approaches to the themes in philosophy of religion, especially those engaging marginal questions, experimental methods, or formats that challenge established disciplinary boundaries. Please also indicate which of the three thematic panels your contribution is intended for. The presentations will be approximately 20 minutes long and are followed by a 5 minutes response feedback and 15 minutes Q&A.
While the focus lies on philosophy of religion, contributions from related disciplines such as sociology, political science, and cultural studies, artistic and other related disciplines are very welcome.
The conference is structured in three parts:
1. A podium discussion with Vienna-based senior scholars on the field’s trajectories and futures
2. Three thematic panels: Politics & Society; Ecology & Nature; Arts & Aesthetics
3. An active, non-conventional session beyond lecture/listen formats
Please send:
- An abstract of approx. 200 words
- A short academic biography
- Indication of the preferred panel (Politics & Society / Ecology & Nature / Arts & Aesthetics)
Deadline for submissions: 5 June 2026
Notification of acceptance: 30 June 2026
Upon presentation of invoices, we can pay a travel expense allowance of €200.
Accepted contributors will be asked to submit a short paper version of two pages (including
theses, arguments, and literature) approximately one month prior to the conference in order
to facilitate in-depth discussion and feedback during the panels.
We are really looking forward to your contributions!
With best regards,
Christian Faber & Marco Fiorletta
The conference is organized in cooperation and with the support of the Vienna Doctoral
School of Theology and Research on Religion (VDTR), the Research Center “Religion and
Transformation” (RaT) and the Austrian Research Association (ÖFG)
