11th Congress of the Austrian Society for Philosophy

Thinking the Future

February 25th to 28th, 2025

University of Graz

The 11th Congress of the Austrian Society for Philosophy will take place from February 25th to 28th, 2025 at the University of Graz. It is dedicated to the thematic focus „Thinking the Future“.

Philosophy not only involves abstract thought, but also the act of envisioning and anticipating what lies ahead at a fundamental level. However, contemplating the future concerns not only philosophy but also societies and people in general – today more than ever and on a global level. The future holds opportunities and risks. Sciences, the arts, businesses and everyday cultures imagine possibilities and simulate scenarios. They try to think both theoretically and empirically about the consequences and the relationships between the development of education, knowledge and society.

Philosophy cannot answer what future awaits humanity, but it can contribute to questions such as: How do we distinguish the future from the present and the present from the past? What are the consequences for life to exist in time? How far can humans extend their scope of influence and domination? What underlies the desire to escape mortality through technological developments? What influence do technologies have on human self-understanding, on work and life? What ways of thinking can help in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, globalization, digitalization, artificial intelligence and military conflicts? How can education be rethought and what options for shaping the future should be developed? What responsibilities and obligations do people living today have towards future generations? What is the relation between philosophy and science fiction? What will be the role of philosophy in the future, in particular at educational institutions and universities?

In this context, the 11th Congress of the Austrian Society for Philosophy opens a forum for thinking together about the future.

General sections:

• Metaphysics and ontology

• Ethics

• Political philosophy

• Social and legal philosophy

• Epistemology and philosophy of science

• Logic and philosophy of language

• Philosophy of technology and anthropology

• Aesthetics, philosophy of culture and history

• History of philosophy

• Philosophy of religion

• Philosophy for/with children and youth

• Didactics of philosophy and ethics

• Philosophy of mind

Plenary lectures: Tim Crane, Josef Mitterer, Elisabeth Nemeth

Opening: Department of Philosophy of the University of Graz.

Contact and information: Laurin Mackowitz, Dr.Mag.Bakk.phil., University Assistant, Department of Philosophy, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstraße 26/III, 8010 Graz, Austria, Secretary General of the Austrian Society of Philosophy, laurin.mackowitz@uni-graz.at