Critical theory & social practice in the Nordics: is there a Nordic critical theory?

Conference

Start date: Thursday 13 February 2025

Time: 09.00

End date: Friday 14 February 2025

Time: 17.00

Location: The Auditorium, Manne Siegbahn Buildings, Frescativägen 24E

Two open lectures in connection with an international research conference.

Abstract painting of the moon and nature.

Paul Nash, Germany 1944

Thursday 13 February, 15:00 – 17:00 in the Auditorium

Thomas Wallgren

Critical theory today: Enduring tasks, lessons from Wittgenstein, recent failures, current challenges

Friday 14 February, 15:00 – 17:00 in the Auditorium

Bernard E. Harcourt

Critique & Praxis: On the Nordic Critical Tradition of Radical Action Research and Thomas Mathiesen's Politics of Abolition (1974)

The lectures are open to all and no pre-registration is required. For participation in other parts of the conference, please contact Karolina Enquist Källgren:

karolina.kallgren@idehist.su.se

About the conference

Critical theory carries the double legacy to analyze the foundational structures of current society, as well as to connect their analysis to contemporary struggles. But the relationship between critical theory and existing struggles has been problematic. This workshop invites junior as well as senior scholars to reflect on the relationship between theory and lived experiences, oppositional forms of consciousness, and regional practices of critique and resistance. As often pointed out, the Nordic countries have some features in common – such as a strong well-fare state and a history of strong worker’s and Feminist movements, as well as the ideal of collective agreements to regulate the relation between workers and employers – and that has shaped the organization of contemporary emancipatory practices, while the development of critical theory has been internationally oriented. In addition, Nordic theorists have turned to certain language traditions for concepts and inspiration; German for Frankfurt-school inspired critical theory, French for Foucault-inspired theory and feminist philosophy, and not the least English for contemporary critical theory. Against this background, the workshop will discuss the nature of critical theory being developed in the Nordics, and its relations to struggles, past or present.

Theme

Research subjects

History of Philosophy History of Political Ideas Literature and Philosophy

Last updated: February 6, 2025

Source: Department of Culture and Aesthetics

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