The ecological crisis is a challenge for society as a whole. It also affects our self-image as individuals and collectives and calls into question central dichotomies such as those between nature and culture or humans and the environment. This comprehensive nature of the ecological crisis makes interdisciplinary discussions urgently necessary.

The aim of the conference is to bring together different theoretical perspectives, discuss (new) materialist concepts and establish links between theory and practice.

Keynotes

Katharina Hoppe (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/M.)
Ökodependenz: Zur Affirmation von Abhängigkeiten im Anthropozän

Didier Debaise (Université libre de Bruxelles)
From nature to precarious beings. The strange materialism of Whitehead and Latour

The complete program can be found here.

Focus of the Conference

The focus is on the examination of materialist approaches, in particular the “New Materialisms”, which strive to overcome the classical dichotomies between human and nature or subject and object. Discussions will include:

• the role of philosophy, sociology, cultural and media studies in the analysis of the ecological crisis
• the relationship between humans and nature in the tension between the Anthropocene and the Capitalocene
• perspectives/concepts/strategies/methods of historical and/or New Materialisms in the face of the ecological crisis
• critique of progress, post-growth and degrowth as alternative approaches
• potentials & problems of ecological transformations under the premise of human or non-human agency
• aesthetic and medial forms of communication as a means of reflection and criticism

The aim is an interdisciplinary exchange that opens up new approaches and stimulates innovative discussions. We cordially invite all interested parties to become part of this important debate and take part in the conference!

Organization & Contact

Marlen Reinschke & Patrick Müller:
https://www.materialismen-konf.de/

Please register in advance!

With the support of the Viadrina Center for Graduate Studies (VCGS) and ZeM – Brandenburgisches Zentrum für Medienwissenschaften.