March 2026 - News - Philosophy bulletin board

Save the Date: Trans*Formations Talk Luana Pesarini, 30.4.2026

by Initiative to Support Women in Academic Philosophy

Dear All, please save the date for the next Trans*Formations Event at the Philosophy Institute. For those who do not know the series: This talk and workshop series organized by a bunch of people from the Philosophy Department (BA, MA and PhD) provides insights into recent developments in trans* philosophizing. Thanks to the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (VDP) [1] and queer@hochschulen [2] for their financial support! In the next talk, Luana Pesarini (Goethe Universität Frankfurt) will discuss historical and contemporary theories of the neural basis of transness, and the presuppositions these studies rely on, from a trans/feminist science studies perspective. The next Event will be in English! When & Where: Thursday, 30.5.2026 - 18:00-19:30 at HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7) The Trans Brain? History and Current Hypotheses on the Neural Basis of Transness Abstract: Against the background of contemporary debates about the supposed natural basis of sex/gender and the intersection of neurodivergence and transness, the lecture will turn to the history and contemporary theories of the neural basis of transness. Contemporary trans brain hypotheses rest on a whole array of presuppositions: The assumption that brains have a sex/gender; that this brain sex/gender can stand in opposition to the sex assigned at birth; that brain sex/gender develops in response to hormonal changes; that this development has a temporal threshold; and that one can discern transness from a trans-sexed/gendered brain - all of these conveyed through imaging technologies. To fan out the presuppositions that fuel contemporary theories of the neural basis of transness, the lecture will trace its history through the lens of trans/feminist science studies. Starting from theories about the natural bisexuality and plasticity of mammals and their eugenic interpretations at the beginning of the 20th century (Eugen Steinach, Paul Kammerer), the lecture will move through the early hypotheses about the neural basis of transness in the post-Second World War inception of trans medicine in the US (John Money, Robert Stoller, Harry Benjamin), to the first neuroimaging studies on transness in the 1990s and early 2000s, to finish with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of transness in contemporary neuroscience and a discussion of its impacts on the lives of trans people. Neuronal explanations of transness certainly do not carry the same weight in the debates about the natural basis of sex/gender and transness as chromosomal explanations. Incidents such as the International Chess Federation's ban of trans women from the women's category, the European Society of Endocrinology's considerations about brain scans as "a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people," and calls from neuroscientists to intervene in and prevent the development of transness in the brain nevertheless illustrate the current and potentially future power of such explanations over the lives of trans people. Bio: Luana Pesarini is a philosophy-trained sociologist specializing in feminist science and technology studies, theories of materiality, and trans feminism. She is currently working as a doctoral researcher in the German Research Foundation-funded RTG "Fixing Futures. Technologies of Anticipation in Contemporary Societies" at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. There will be a Q&A after the talk, as well as snacks and drinks! Please also save the date for the next Trans*Formations Events: A talk on Law and Gender by UK barrister Jane Russell on 15.5., and a full-day event with a focus on Gender Euphoria on 7.6. with, among others, talks by Quill Kukla (Georgetown University) and Eric A. Stanley (University of California, Berkeley). We are thankful to our previous Trans*Formations speakers: Luce deLire [3], Alyosxa Tudor [4], Eric Llaveria Caselles [5], Emelia Stanley, [6] Emma Heaney [7], Juliana Gleeson, [8] Gen Eickers & Sigmond Richli [9], Jonah I. Garde [10] and Anna Klieber [11]! We are looking forward to seeing you at the event, and happy if you forward this invitation and the attached poster to others who might be interested! With all the best, the Trans*Formations Team & UPSalon - A Salon for Underrepresented Philosophers Links: ------ [1] https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/ [2] https://queer-at-hochschulen.org/ [3] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/en/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/det… [4] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/detail… [5] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/detail… [6] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/detail… [7] https://lists.philo.at/hyperkitty/list/news@lists.philo.at/thread/GIUSVC6TO… [8] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/detail… [9] https://urise.univie.ac.at/mod/booking/optionview.php?cmid=293&optionid… [10] https://lists.philo.at/hyperkitty/list/news@lists.philo.at/thread/ZUJBVRNM7… [11] https://philosophie.univie.ac.at/news-events/nachrichten-news-events/detail…

2 weeks

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Writing Evening Session on March 30

by Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy

Dear all, The VDP is hosting an additional writing evening session on 30 March. Postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and late MA students are welcome to join. The evening will consist of four 50-minute writing sessions, with short breaks in between for socialising over snacks. Please bring your own laptops and/or other writing essentials. When: 14:00–18:00 Where: Room 3A, NiG, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna Information about other dates is at https://urise.univie.ac.at/mod/booking/optionview.php?optionid=2578&cmid=29… Best regards, Raphael Aybar

2 weeks, 2 days

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FW: Änderungsmeldung: KoPhil-Vortrag am DO. 26.03. u. Semesterprogramm 2026S

by philosophie＠univie.ac.at

Guten Tag, Untenstehend möchten wir Sie über folgende Veranstaltungsänderung informieren: S.g. Damen und Herren, liebe Kollegen/innen, Wegen einer unvermeidlichen Terminkollision kann der Gastvortragsgeber, Prof. Dr. Schröder nicht nach Wen ausreisen. Der Vortrag wird jedoch ONLINE gehalten. Der HS mit der Uhrzeit bleibt: DO. 26.03.2026, 18:30 -20:15, HS 3D Anbei das korrigierte Programm einschließlich der Semestervorschau. MfG KoPhil-Präsidium www.kophil.at <http://www.kophil.at> From: philosophie(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:philosophie@univie.ac.at> <philosophie(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:philosophie@univie.ac.at> > Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 4:32 PM To: news(a)lists.philo.at <mailto:news@lists.philo.at> Cc: 'George Karamanolis' <george.karamanolis(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:george.karamanolis@univie.ac.at> >; 'hisaki hashi' <hisaki.hashi(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:hisaki.hashi@univie.ac.at> > Subject: [News] KoPhil-Vortrag am DO. 26.03. u. Semesterprogramm 2026S Guten Tag! Wir möchten Sie über die folgende Veranstaltung informieren: -- S.g. Damen und Herren. Liebe Kollegen/innen, Im Folgenden eine Ankündigung über den KoPhil-Vortragsabend in Zusammenarbeit mit Herrn Prof. Karamanolis. Datum u. Ort: DO. 26.03.2026, 18:30, HS 3D Institut für Philosophie der Universität Wien 1010 Wien, Universitätsstr. 7 (NIG), 3. Stock Gastvortrag von: Lucian Hartmit Schröder (Prof. Dr., Europa-Universität) zum Thema Die Unverfügbarkeit von Gesundheit: Resonanz als Grundbegriff einer integralen Medizin Näheres unter <http://www.kophil-at> www.kophil-at “Aktuelle Termine” ANHANG: Programm des Vortragsabend am 26.03.2026 KoPhil Semesterprogramm 2026S Interessierte werden herzlich eingeladen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen KoPhil-Präsidium <http://www.kophil.at> www.kophil.at

2 weeks, 2 days

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Invitation: talk by Prof. Giuseppe Longo, Directeur de Recherches Emeritus, CNRS - Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris_March 26, 2026

by Florian Kolowrat

Dear colleagues, We cordially invite all of you to a talk by Prof. Giuseppe Longo, Directeur de Recherches Emeritus, CNRS - Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris. Former “Professore Ordinario di Informatica”, Università di Pisa, Italy. Date: March 26, 2026 at 17:30 Venue: Seminarraum 3a (D0312) Department of Philosophy, Universitätsstraße 7, A-1010 Vienna Title: Models of Emergence in Physics vs Theories of Novelty Production in Biology Abstract: Several notion of ‘‘emergence’’ have been proposed in physics. They mostly concern the emergence of new structures and forms (morphogenesis). From Turing and Thom’s analysis of morphogenesis to self-organization in far from equilibrium thermodynamics and Parisi’s networks, a few types of emerging phenomena in complex systems will be recalled. Then the difference will be stressed with “novelty production” in biology. In Darwinian evolution, in particular, the conceptual (and possibly mathematical) frames require the construction of new perspectives, due to the nature of the intended observables and their historical specificity. The issue of “unification” with the many theories of inert matter involved in the understanding of biology will be hinted, by setting bridges and proposing conceptual dualities. This talk is organized by Prof. Dr. Tarja Knuuttila. We look forward to your participation and to engaging discussions! With kind regards Florian Kolowrat -- *Florian Kolowrat *KgbU0UP0l8ByOdbG.png Universität Wien | University of Vienna Institut für Philosophie | Department of Philosophy Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien | Vienna Organisational Assistant to Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer Department of Philosophy – University of Vienna Organisational Assistant to Univ.-Prof. Tarja Knuuttila, MSc M.Soc.Sc PhD Department of Philosophy – University of Vienna Mail: Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien E-Mail:florian.kolowrat@univie.ac.at Phone: +43-1-4277-46461 Web:https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/ person.html?id=53614 <https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/person.html?id=53614>

2 weeks, 4 days

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Phänomenologische Forschungen - Vortrag und Workshop mit Narzissa Helfritzsch: "Grazie. Wenn sich das Leben als erwünscht erlebt"

by Georg Harfensteller

Liebe Kolleg:innen, wir möchten Sie herzlich zur nächsten Veranstaltung der Reihe „Phänomenologische Forschungen“ einladen: *Vortrag und Workshop mit Narzissa Helfritzsch (Wien)* *Mi., 25.3.2026, 18:30 Uhr, HS 3D, NIG* VORTRAG: Narzissa Helfritzsch - "Grazie. Wenn sich das Leben als erwünscht erlebt" *Do., 26.3.2026, 9:00-13:00 Uhr, Sitzungssaal Dekanat der Katholisch-Theologische Fakultät, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Wien, Stiege 8, 2. Stock* WORKSHOP zu den Texten von Sartre, Ahmed und Kopenawa Texte zum Workshop finden Sie auf Moodle, schreiben Sie sich dafür gerne hier <https://phaenomenologie.univie.ac.at/forschung/newslettermoodle/> ein. Weitere Informationen zu Veranstaltungen des *Forschungskreises Phänomenologie* finden Sie auf unserer Website <https://phaenomenologie.univie.ac.at/> sowie auf Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/forschungskreisphaenomenologie/>. Mit besten Grüßen, Michael Staudigl, Gerhard Unterthurner, Georg Harfensteller [image: Narzissa Einzelplakat.png]

2 weeks, 4 days

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Wittgen=steine talk this Friday

by Martin Kusch

Dear All, The next talk in the "Wittgenstein=steine" series is this Friday (June 13th) at 3pm in room NIG 3D. The speaker is Konstantin Deininger, and his title is: _"On the Material and Formal Aspects of (Moral) Certainty"_. Abstract: Does morality have a binding character in the sense that chains of justification come to an end? In this talk, I will affirm this question and argue that we can plausibly distinguish between formal and material aspects of moral certainty. As a starting point, I will interpret Wittgenstein's idea of "bedrock," introduced in §217 of the Philosophical Investigations, as standing for the end of a chain of reasoning. In doing so, I align with certain Wittgensteinian interpreters who maintain that some chains of moral reasoning end with certainty. However, I will arrive at deviating conclusions by demonstrating that different kinds of moral certainties function in different ways. Wittgensteinian scholars such as Cora Diamond and Nigel Pleasants correctly identify the formal aspect of moral certainty, showing that some propositions resist justification and doubt. However, the candidates for formal certainties they propose do not fully satisfy the criteria of certainty. This, I argue, is due to their failure to adequately distinguish between the formal and material aspects of certainty. Material certainties, such as Diamond's "slavery is unjust and insupportable" or Pleasants' "killing is wrong," remain intelligible to some extent and are thus subject to justification and doubt. Still, these propositions function as regress stoppers by putting an end to the chain of reasoning--but they do not mark the boundary of the unintelligible as formal certainties do. Drawing on Wittgenstein's later writings, I will argue that only formal certainties--which I refer to as transcendental certainties--are entirely exempt from justification and doubt. I identify the principle "equals are to be treated equally" as a plausible candidate for transcendental certainty. This certainty is foundational to moral reasoning and enables moral thought. I illustrate its role through debates on justice in animal ethics. Everybody welcome! Best wishes from the organizers, Esther Heinrich-Ramharter Anja Weiberg Martin Kusch

3 weeks

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KoPhil-Vortrag am DO. 26.03. u. Semesterprogramm 2026S

by philosophie＠univie.ac.at

Guten Tag! Wir möchten Sie über die folgende Veranstaltung informieren: -- S.g. Damen und Herren. Liebe Kollegen/innen, Im Folgenden eine Ankündigung über den KoPhil-Vortragsabend in Zusammenarbeit mit Herrn Prof. Karamanolis. Datum u. Ort: DO. 26.03.2026, 18:30, HS 3D Institut für Philosophie der Universität Wien 1010 Wien, Universitätsstr. 7 (NIG), 3. Stock Gastvortrag von: Lucian Hartmit Schröder (Prof. Dr., Europa-Universität) zum Thema Die Unverfügbarkeit von Gesundheit: Resonanz als Grundbegriff einer integralen Medizin Näheres unter <http://www.kophil-at> www.kophil-at Aktuelle Termine ANHANG: Programm des Vortragsabend am 26.03.2026 KoPhil Semesterprogramm 2026S Interessierte werden herzlich eingeladen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen KoPhil-Präsidium <http://www.kophil.at> www.kophil.at

3 weeks

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24.03 - Werkstatt Phänomenologie

by Georg Harfensteller

Liebe Kolleg:innen, wir möchten Sie herzlich zur nächsten Veranstaltung der Reihe „Werkstatt Phänomenologie“ einladen: Di., *24.03.26*, um *18:30*, Hörsaal 3D im NIG: *Michał Maczuga* - Edmund Husserl's Notion of Disturbance Texte zum Kolloquium finden Sie auf Moodle, schreiben Sie sich dafür gerne hier <https://phaenomenologie.univie.ac.at/forschung/newslettermoodle/> ein. Weitere Informationen zu Veranstaltungen der Werkstatt Phänomenologie finden Sie auf unserer Website <https://phaenomenologie.univie.ac.at/forschung/werkstatt-phaenomenologie/> sowie auf Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/forschungskreisphaenomenologie/>. Mit besten Grüßen, Team Werkstatt Phänomenologie [image: Werkstatt SS26.png]

3 weeks, 1 day

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Einladung zur FöP am 18. März 2026 / Invitation to the FöP on March 18, 2026

by Isabel Maria Seelmann

Liebe alle, wir laden herzlich zur nächsten Fakultätsöffentlichen Präsentation von Dissertationsprojekten (FöP) ein. Die Veranstaltung findet am Mittwoch, den 18. März 2026, um 13:15 Uhr im Seminarraum 3A (NIG, 3. Stock) statt. Im Anschluss an die Präsentationen besteht Gelegenheit zu einem gemeinsamen Austausch bei einem Buffet. Das Catering wird mit freundlicher Unterstützung der Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (VDP) <https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/> ermöglicht. Programm: 13:15 Uhr Eva Hijlkema, BSc MA The Concept of Benevolence in Neoliberal Capitalism Betreuung: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Angela Kallhoff 13:45 Uhr Joachim Raich, MA MSc A Political Ethics of Ecological Grief Betreuung: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Angela Kallhoff 14:15 Uhr Caterina Mazziotti, MA Freedom and Taxes in Favor of the Poor in Kant’s Doctrine of Right Betreuung: Assoz. Prof. Felix Pinkert, MLitt PhD Wir freuen uns sehr auf Ihre Teilnahme! Die FöP ist eine öffentliche Veranstaltung. Die Einladung kann gerne geteilt werden. Mit herzlichen Grüßen Univ.-Prof. Dr. Benjamin Schnieder Studienprogrammleitung Doktoratsstudium Philosophie *** Dear all, We warmly invite you to the upcoming Public Faculty Presentation of Dissertation Projects (FöP). The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at 1:15 p.m., in Seminar Room 3A (NIG, 3rd floor). A buffet reception will follow the presentations. The catering is kindly supported by the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy (VDP) <https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/>. Programme: 1.15 p.m. Eva Hijlkema, BSc MA The Concept of Benevolence in Neoliberal Capitalism Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Angela Kallhoff 1.45 p.m. Joachim Raich, MA MSc A Political Ethics of Ecological Grief Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Angela Kallhoff 2.15 p.m. Caterina Mazziotti, MA Freedom and Taxes in Favor of the Poor in Kant’s Doctrine of Right Supervisor: Assoz. Prof. Felix Pinkert, MLitt PhD We are very much looking forward to your participation! Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who may be interested. With best wishes, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Benjamin Schnieder Director of the Doctoral Program in Philosophy

3 weeks, 2 days

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IVC Talk: Iulian Danut Toader (IVC) on "Conservatism as a Norm of Scientific Practice", March 19, 4.45 pm

by Zarah Weiss

Dear all, our next speaker in the Philosophy of Science Colloquium organized by the Institute Vienna Circle is Iulian Danut Toader (IVC), who will give a talk on March 19, 4.45-6.15 pm. All are welcome! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Philosophy of Science Colloquium TALK: Iulian Danut Toader (IVC)* Conservatism as a Norm of Scientific Practice Philosophy of Science Colloquium The Institute Vienna Circle holds a Philosophy of Science Colloquium with talks by our present fellows. * Date:* 19/03/2026 * Time:* 16h45 * Venue:* New Institute Building (NIG), Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien, HS 3C * Abstract:* Contemporary scientists extol the virtues of conservatism, the view that advocates the preservation of the theoretical status quo and castigates everything beyond this as unfounded speculation. More generally, conservatives emphasize that science has been almost always cumulative, and scientific progress has been almost always made through evolution, rather than revolution. They further suggest that contemporary science should be cumulative, and that it should make progress through evolution, rather than revolution. In this talk, I provide a brief historical-conceptual analysis of conservatism as a norm that urges us to preserve the theoretical status quo, extend its intended domain of resiliency to the furthest extent possible, and only allow changes if we have stronger reasons to accept some theoretical alternative. I then focus on a specific expression of conservatism - the so-called principle of permanence - which has been extremely influential since mid-19th century in both mathematics and physics, in an attempt to determine, more precisely, the kinds of normativity that conservatism is thought to have.

3 weeks, 3 days

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