Dear colleagues,
We are happy to invite you to a lecture that is part of the new event
series THINKING NATURE [1]that will take place at the Department of
Philosophy, University of Vienna, 2025-2026 (more information below),
organised by Eva-Maria Aigner and Ralf Gisinger.
The first lecture will take place on Friday, June 6, 6-8pm_,_ online and
in a hybrid setting, Room 3A (NIG):
Philippe Lynes (Durham University): "Anecological Dwelling: Derrida,
Heidegger, Blanchot"
Abstract: In the second year of his _The Thing _seminar (1976), Jacques
Derrida undertakes a comparative analysis of Martin Heidegger's
"Building, Dwelling, Thinking" with the literary work of Maurice
Blanchot. For Derrida, if Heidegger's bridge signals a gathering of two
shores, a gathering wherein mortals may learn to properly dwell in
saving the earth, the bridge for Blanchot would hint at an infinite
distancing of the two shores, a devastation that knows no salvation.
This interplay of the economical and the aneconomical, _the ecological
and the anecological_ would organize all of Derrida's readings of
Heidegger and Blanchot almost twenty years later in the _Secret et
témoignage _seminars. In unfolding these readings, we will ask what it
might mean, in reconsidering the relations and non-relations between
thinking and nature, to dwell _anecologically? _Might the anecological
open onto a new thinking that leaves nature to its secrecy _without us?_
Bio: Philippe Lynes' research situates itself at the intersections of
the environmental humanities, continental philosophy and ecocriticism.
He has held an Addison Wheeler Fellowship with the Institute of Advanced
Study and the Department of English Studies at Durham University. He was
a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Romance Languages and
Literatures at Harvard University, and held the Fulbright Canada
Visiting Research Chair in Environmental Humanities at the University of
California, Irvine. Lynes is the author of the two-volume _Dearth:
Deconstruction after Speculative Realism_, forthcoming with Northwestern
University Press in 2025 and 2026, and _Futures of Life Death on Earth:
Derrida's General Ecology_ (Rowman & Littlefield International, 2018).
He is co-editor (with Matthias Fritsch and David Wood) of
_Eco-Deconstruction: Derrida and Environmental Philosophy_, (Fordham
University Press, 2018) and (with Timothy Clark) of the _Oxford Literary
Review_ special issue "What Might Eco-Deconstruction Be?" (2023) Lynes
is also a translator and editor of French philosophy and literature,
notably of the work of Jacques Derrida and Maurice Blanchot. He is
associate editor of the journal _Derrida Today_, and one of the lead
editors of Blanchot's literary estate. He is currently working on two
books, _Ecologies of Emptiness_, on the Kyoto School, and an
introductory book on _The_ _Environmental Posthumanities_.
There will be two short responses to the lecture by Eva-Maria Aigner and
Noemi Call (both University of Vienna).
We will send out the zoom-link closer to the lecture.
Here you find more information about the event series:
THINKING NATURE [1]
University of Vienna, 2025-2026
Poststructuralism has long been accused of a general indifference to
questions of materiality and natural philosophy. From this perspective,
and in light of the urgent philosophical problem of the looming climate
crisis, poststructuralist theory does not seem ideally suited to
contribute to the question of nature. In recent years, however, numerous
authors have shown how poststructuralist theories can be made fruitful
in ecology, geo-philosophy or a philosophy of nature.
The lecture series, organised and curated by Eva-Maria Aigner and Ralf
Gisinger (Research Group "Poststructuralism, Gender Theory,
Psychoanalysis"), brings together some of the most intriguing
contemporary theorists in this field who will be invited to the
Department of Philosophy Vienna to give their philosophical perspectives
on "Thinking Nature" in the Anthropocene.
Events 2025
Philippe Lynes (Durham University)
_June 6_, 18:00-20:00, online. Live-Streaming and Responses in Room 3A
(NIG)
Didier Debaise (Université Libre Bruxelles)
_October 16_, Keynote, 18:30 (Lecture Room 3A (NIG), on-site/hybrid)
_October 17_, Workshop, 10:00-16:00 (Lecture Room 3A (NIG),
on-site/hybrid)
Claire Colebrook (Penn State University)
_November 21_, 10:00-12:00, online. Live-Streaming and Responses in Room
3A (NIG)
Organised by Ralf Gisinger and Eva-Maria Aigner
Funded by the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
Research Group "Poststructuralism, Gender Theory, Psychoanalysis"
Registration and Information:
ralf.gisinger(a)univie.ac.at
eva-maria.aigner(a)univie.ac.at
poststrukturalismus.univie.ac.at [2]
Links:
------
[1]
https://poststrukturalismus.univie.ac.at/veranstaltungen/thinking-nature-ev…
[2]
https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoststru…
The Institute Vienna Circle and the Vienna Circle Society cordially
invite you to the
*8th Arthur Pap Lecture*
*Luca Oliva (University of Houston)*
Kinds of A Priori
*Thursday, June 12, 2025**
*5 pm**
Aula am Campus
University of Vienna
Hof 1, Eingang 1.11
Spitalgasse 2-4
1090 Vienna
*For those who can't make it to Vienna, the event will also be streamed
via YouTube:Link <https://www.youtube.com/live/DMGipA4G1ks>*
Registration:vcs@univie.ac.at <mailto:vcs@univie.ac.at>
No registration fee
Abstract
In 1944, Arthur Pap analyzed different kinds of "a priori" beyond the
scientific statements that served as the standard reference for the
logical empiricist criticism of the Kantian model. His analysis focuses
on the meanings of formal, material, and functional a priori, engaging
primarily with the arguments of Aristotle, Kant, Schlick, Wittgenstein,
Dewey, and Carnap. In this context, Pap advocates for the reducibility
of Kant's synthetic a priori to the material a priori, while also
arguing for the consistency of the latter with the functional meaning of
the a priori. Oliva's talk will center on the first two meanings. It
will specifically analyze Pap's views on Kant's synthetic-analytic
distinction, Leibniz's notion of true sentences as identities (which
relates to Wittgenstein's notion of tautology), and Hilbert's notion of
implicit definitions – adopted by Schlick and defended by Einstein.
Oliva will also consider Pap's later writings from 1949 and 1957 and
assess the claims concerning analyticity, necessity, and material
implication they developed. Supporting references will include works by
Shieh (2006), Stump (2011, 2021), Mormann (2021), and Limbeck-Lilienau
(2025).
Short Bio
Luca Olivais an assistant professor and the program director of /Liberal
Studies/ at the University of Houston. His research interests lie in
epistemology and philosophy of mathematics but also involve ethics and
metaethics. He has primarily published on issues of analytic Kantianism,
the a priori in logical empiricism (including Wittgenstein), and
Rickert's abstract objects and normativity. His articles have appeared
in the /Kantian Review/, the /Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/, and
collections published by Cambridge University Press, the North American
Kant Society, and De Gruyter. Oliva teaches theories of knowledge and
truth, as well as ethics. In recent years, he has been a lecturer at
the University of Vienna (2019) and the Institute Vienna Circle (2015,
2017), an academic visitor at the University of Oxford (2016, 2017), and
a visiting professor at the Universities of Insubria (2024) and Bergamo
(2015, 2022) in Italy.Since 2024, Oliva has co-organized the
/Reconstructing Carnap/ webinar series affiliated with the University of
Florence. In 2023, he also initiated the /Ethics and Normativity Seminar
Series/ at the University of Houston.
Postdoc Day - 12 June 2025 - 10:00-13:00
Dear postdocs of the Department of Philosophy,
The Vienna Doctoral School, together with the Postdoc Career Development
Unit at the University of Vienna, is organising a Postdoc Day for the
first time. There will also be an opportunity to socialise over snacks
and drinks. Here is a brief description of the event:
Postdoc Career Day
12 June 2025, 10:00–13:00
3A NiG, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna
Kick off with a hands-on workshop led by career coach Martin Buxbaum
(LBG Career Centre), exploring diverse opportunities outside academia.
You will also have the opportunity to learn about the various career
development resources available with Madeleine Harbich from the
University of Vienna's Postdoc Career Development project. You can then
stay for informal networking over snacks and drinks with pre- and
post-docs, as well as a support session—a chance to ask questions, make
connections, and plan your next move.
10:00-11:45 - Workshop: Careers Beyond Academia (Trainer: Martin
Buxbaum)
11:45-12:00 - Career Development Opportunities for Postdocs (Speaker:
Madeleine Harbich)
12:00-13:00 - Praedoc-Postdoc Networking and Individual Support Session
In order to support us with the planning of the event, we kindly ask you
to register via u:rise. You can log in using your Uni Wien user ID.
https://urise.univie.ac.at/mod/booking/optionview.php?optionid=985&cmid=292…
Best,
Raphael
--
MSc. Mag. Raphael Aybar, BA
Scientific Coordinator
Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7, B0301
1010 Wien
+43-1-4277-46020
https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/
vd.philosophy(a)univie.ac.at
raphael.aybar(a)univie.ac.at
Liebe alle,
wir laden herzlich zur nächsten Fakultätsöffentlichen Präsentation (FöP) ein.
Am Mittwoch, den 4. Juni 2025 präsentieren drei Kandidat*innen ihre Dissertationsvorhaben im Hörsaal 2G (NIG, 2. Stock). Im Anschluss an die Präsentationen laden wir zu einem Austausch bei Sekt und Sushi ein.
Programm:
13:15 Uhr
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich:
Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Betreuung:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
13:45 Uhr
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Betreuung:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
14:15 Uhr
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination.
Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Betreuung:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
Wir freuen uns sehr auf Ihre Teilnahme!
Die Einladung kann gerne mit interessierten Personen geteilt werden.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Studienprogrammleitung Doktoratsstudium Philosophie (SPL 43)
***
Dear all,
We warmly invite you to the next Public Faculty Presentation (FöP).
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. in Lecture Hall 2G (NIG, 2nd floor), three candidates will present their dissertation projects. Following the presentations, we once again invite you to join us for a reception with sparkling wine and sushi.
Programme:
1:15 p.m.
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich: Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Supervisor:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
1:45 p.m.
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Supervisor:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
2:15 p.m.
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination. Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Supervisor:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
We are very much looking forward to your participation!
Feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested.
With best wishes,
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Director of the Doctoral Program in Philosophy (SPL 43)
Dear all,
You are hereby invited to the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk
(organized in cooperation with the Institute for Quantum Optics and
Quantum Information) by
Boris Kožnjak (Institute of Philosophy, Zagreb)
Title: Metaphysical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: An Aristotelian
Perspective (see abstract below)
Date: June 5th (Thursday)
Time: 13:30-15:00
Location: IQOQI Seminar room (Boltzmanngasse 3, 2nd floor)
Zoom link (for those that cannot join in person):
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/62865750030?pwd=Fe2gRi4waS8oramaalaIP2zvDPdLfb.1
Abstract:
Since the earliest days of quantum mechanics in the 1920s, efforts have
been made to establish its metaphysical foundations. One of the earliest
of these was proposed by Werner Heisenberg, one of the theory’s founding
figures, who suggested that such foundations might be found in
Aristotle’s metaphysics, particularly in the concepts of potentiality
(dunamis) and actuality (energeia). Although this perspective has since
evolved into various dispositional interpretations of quantum mechanics,
little attention has been paid to what these metaphysical foundations
would indeed look like when grounded in Aristotle’s original philosophy,
a project Heisenberg outlined only in broad strokes. Drawing on the
author’s previous work, this lecture will explore the historical and
philosophical dimensions of an Aristotelian interpretation of quantum
mechanics, aiming to remain as faithful as possible to Aristotle’s
metaphysical framework.
For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see
https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna
Best wishes
Sebastian
Liebe alle,
wir laden herzlich zur nächsten Fakultätsöffentlichen Präsentation von Dissertationsprojekten der Philosophie (FöP) ein.
Am Mittwoch, den 4. Juni 2025 präsentieren drei Kandidat*innen ihre Dissertationsvorhaben im Hörsaal 2G (NIG, 2. Stock).
Im Anschluss an die Präsentationen laden wir zu einem Austausch bei Sekt und Sushi ein.
Programm:
13:15 Uhr
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich: Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Betreuung:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
13:45 Uhr
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Betreuung:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
14:15 Uhr
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination. Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Betreuung:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
Wir freuen uns sehr auf Ihre Teilnahme!
Die Einladung kann gerne mit interessierten Personen geteilt werden.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Studienprogrammleitung Doktoratsstudium Philosophie (SPL 43)
***
Dear all,
We warmly invite you to the next Public Faculty Presentation of Dissertation Projects in Philosophy (FöP).
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. in Lecture Hall 2G (NIG, 2nd floor), three candidates will present their dissertation projects.
Following the presentations, we once again invite you to join us for a reception with sparkling wine and sushi.
Programme:
1:15 p.m.
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich: Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Supervisor:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
1:45 p.m.
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Supervisor:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
2:15 p.m.
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination. Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Supervisor:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
We are very much looking forward to your participation!
Feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested.
With best wishes,
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Director of the Doctoral Program in Philosophy (SPL 43)
Dear all,
we warmly invite you to the next APSE (Applied Philosophy of Science and
Epistemology) Talk and Reading Circle. The talk will be held by Matteo Vagelli
(Ca' Foscari University of Venice). Everybody is welcome.
1. TALK:
When: Thursday, 05.06.2025, 15:00 - 17:00
Where: HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien)
Title: Understanding Scientific Knowledge in Terms of Styles of Reasoning
Abstract:
In this talk, I develop a more precise epistemological account of styles of
reasoning (e.g. Crombie 1992; Davidson 2001; Elwick 2007; Hacking 1982, 1992,
2012; Kwa 2011; Radick 2000). I begin by situating the notion in relation to
general logical modes of inference—deduction, induction, and abduction—
highlighting its distinctive role in shaping scientific rationality. I then
try to advance styles of reasoning as potential candidates to come to terms
with scientific progress, understood both in relation to justification
(Stegenga 2026) and understanding (Déllsen 2016), as well as with scientific
pluralism, especially under its “interactive” account (Chang 2024).
Next, I refine the distinction between two levels of styles: Level 1, large-
scale styles of scientific reasoning (e.g. postulation, experimentation,
modelling, taxonomy, statistics, historical development), and Level 2, small-
scale inferential strategies operative within specific scientific practices
(Bueno 2012). I argue that meaningful philosophical analysis of science
requires attention to both levels and propose the addition of a local level—a
more context-sensitive scale that captures the dynamic interaction between the
two.
To substantiate this claim, I examine contemporary research on Alzheimer’s
disease (Bemelmans et al. 2016; Hardy & Higgins 1992; Schermer, 2023),
illustrating how local configurations of reasoning styles mediate between
broader methodological commitments and specific inferential moves. This case
is particularly relevant, as it highlights the interplay between epistemic and
non-epistemic factors in shaping scientific inquiry. By tracing how styles of
reasoning operate across different levels within this research domain, the
case study anchors the theoretical reflections and demonstrates how styles
serve as a bridge between the logical and the social dimensions of scientific
practice.
By integrating conceptual refinement with empirical analysis, the talk aims to
strengthen the epistemological foundations of the styles of reasoning
framework and enhance its relevance for current debates on plurality,
understanding, and the dynamics of scientific change. In doing so, it also
seeks to render the framework more responsive to at least some of the
criticisms that have been levelled against it (e.g. Kusch 2010; Rouse 2011).
2. READING CIRCLE:
When: Thursday, 05.06.2025, 13:15 - 14:45
Where: HS 3A, NIG (Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Wien)
We will focus on an article by Matteo Vagelli (attached as PDF):
Vagelli, Matteo (2024). Styles of Science and the Pluralist Turn: Between
Inclusion and Exclusion. Revue de Synthèse 145 (3-4): 325-363. https://
doi.org/10.1163/19552343-14234053
For further reading regarding the topic:
Bueno, Otavio. (2012). “Styles of reasoning: A pluralist view.” Studies in
History and Philosophy of Science 43: 657-665. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.shpsa.2012.07.008
Daston, L. and Otte, M. (1991) “Introduction”, Science in Context, 4 (2): 223–
232. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0269889700000946
Vagelli, M. (2024). “Hacking’s Styles of Scientific Reasoning.” In:
Reconsidering Historical Epistemology. French and Anglophone Styles in History
and Philosophy of Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-031-61555-9_8
Vagelli, M. (2024). “Styles of Science, Styles of Philosophy.” In:
Reconsidering Historical Epistemology. French and Anglophone Styles in History
and Philosophy of Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/
10.1007/978-3-031-61555-9_9
Wessely, A. (1991) “Transposing ‘Style’ from the History of Art to the History
of Science”, Science in Context, 4 (2): 265–278. https://doi.org/10.1017/
S026988970000096X
With best wishes,
Miguel de la Riva
--
https://bsky.app/profile/m-de-la-riva.bsky.social
Dear all,
We are happy to invite you to a workshop with Zoe A. Johnson King (Harvard University) on “Praiseworthiness” taking place on June 11th, from 9:45 to 16:00 at Sensengasse 8/10.
Zoe Johnson King is a leading figure in the philosophical debate on (moral) praise and praiseworthiness. The existing literature in moral responsibility and attached fields is primarily concerned with (moral) blame and blameworthiness which is why Zoe Johnson King has dedicated her upcoming book to the topic of praiseworthiness.
The full book manuscript can be downloaded on her personal website: https://www.zoejohnsonking.com/research
We are going to discuss the book together with Zoe Johnson King in three separate sessions.
09:45 – 11:15 Chapter 1 & 2
11:30 – 13:00 Chapter 3 & 4
14:30 – 16:00 Chapter 5 & 6
The workshop is organized by the KiC and PACE project.
If you plan to come, please register in writing a short mail to sebastian.aster(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:sebastian.aster@univie.ac.at>
Best regards,
The organizers (Paulina Sliwa & Sebastian Aster)

Dear everyone,
The exhibition "Wien und die Wissenschaftliche Weltauffassung. Orte des
Wiener Kreises", curated by
Friedrich Stadler and Bernhard Hachleitner, will open at the
Wienbibliothek on June 4 at 6.30 pm.
More information:
https://www.wienbibliothek.at/besuchen-entdecken/ausstellungen/wien-wissens…
The opening is in German, however, the exhibition itself is in English
and German.
Guided tours will be offered, too.
The exhibition will be open until September 19, 2025.
With best regards,
Zarah Weiss
--
Zarah Weiss, M.A.
(she/her)
Institut Wiener Kreis
Universität Wien
Alser Straße 23 Top 32
A-1080 Wien
https://wienerkreis.univie.ac.at
M: zarah.weiss(a)univie.ac.at