What is the relationship between theory and practice?

The question of the relationship between theory and practice can be asked in a wide variety of contexts in philosophy: What theoretical basis can be used to advise on the right actions? Does philosophical theorising warrant practical responsibility, and if yes, what kind of responsibility does it entail? Can we establish philosophical theories, which are valid independently of or prior to the practical contexts in which we create them? The point of interest of the conference is to explore this relationship between theory and practice.

Our goal with this event is to create a space for exchange between dedicated philosophy students with varying areas of interest. We aim to  provide students with a platform for their first experiences in presentation and discussion of their own philosophical ideas in a constructive setting.

Call for papers

Both undergraduates and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts for a presentation (20 min presentation + 10 min Q&A).

The abstract should be submitted to the email tup-potsdam@proton.me with the subject “Abstract tup 25” in the form of a PDF containing a maximum of 500 words.

Personal information (name, university, study program) should be indicated in the text of the email and not in the PDF.

The extended submission deadline is 08.12.2024.

We welcome submissions from both theoretical and practical philosophy.

Submissions may be submitted in German or English.

Successful applicants will be informed until 16.12.2024.

Topics

Among others, the following topics are welcome: 

• The relationship between theoretical and practical philosophy as a field.

• Theoretical foundations of practical philosophy.

• Ethical responsibility of theory development.

• Metaphysical foundations of ethical systems.

• The influence of societal and historical contexts on philosophical theory. 

• Theory of ideology.

• Perspectives on pragmatism.

• The pursuit and scope of philosophical praxis.

• Philosophical perspectives on societal processes.

• The possibility of theory development, independently of practice.

• Grounds and/or justification for the “division of labour” between theoretical and practical philosophy.

The conference will be taking place from 12th to 14th of February in person at the University of Potsdam. 

You can find our programme here.