Kant: Concepts, Imagination, and Aesthetic | Conference at NOVA University of Lisbon, 16-17 April 2020
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Kant: Concepts, Imagination, and Aesthetic Appreciation
– Conference, NOVA University of Lisbon, 16-17 April 2020 –
Keynote speaker: Angela Breitenbach, University of Cambridge
Organisers: João Lemos, NOVA University of Lisbon; António Marques, NOVA University of Lisbon; Rachel Robertson, University of Cambridge
Conference Theme: Kant’s requirements for a judgment to become a judgment of taste are often viewed as especially limiting. He has been taken to rule out almost any judgment of beauty that is grounded on concepts or aimed at them. And yet, a number of readings of the Critique of the Power of Judgment suggest that Kant’s aesthetic theory is particularly inclusive. From flowers to representational paintings, and from mathematical demonstrations to moral statements – anything, in principle, can become an object of aesthetic appreciation. A common denominator of such readings of the third Critique is reference to the freedom of imagination: as long as imagination acts freely and moves in a free play, then aesthetic appreciation is possible. This is despite the involvement of concepts – or indeed, some commentators even claim that this is due to the participation of concepts. It is the main aim of this conference to consider arguments in favor and against the possibility of aesthetic appreciation which takes concepts into account. We welcome contributions on the nature and contemporary relevance of Kant’s philosophy – in particular, his aesthetic theory, but also his theory of cognition and his moral and political philosophy.
Submission of Abstracts: Titles and abstracts in English (max. 750 words), prepared for blind review, must be emailed to joaolemos@fcsh.unl.pt or rsr35@cam.ac.uk by 31 January 2020. A second document with a short biographical note in English (max. 250 words) must be sent in the same email. Notices of acceptance will be sent out by 15 February 2020.
Language: If you wish to give a talk in a language other than English, please note that an English version of the paper must be provided upon acceptance, to be projected during your presentation.
Cost: There are no fees for participating in this conference. No funding is available for flights and accommodation, but the organisers can recommend accommodation on request.
Further information can be found at kantimagination.weebly.com
