Philosophy of Science and Ethics of Science in the Context of A. Schopenhauer

Call for Papers

We invite submissions for an international conference on the philosophy of science and the ethics of science from both historical and systematic perspectives. The conference is centered on the question of how Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophy might help illuminate central issues in contemporary reflection on science.

In recent years, Schopenhauer has increasingly been recognized as a significant point of reference for work in both philosophy of science and ethics of science. In addition to foundational studies of his theory of science, there is growing interest in his influence on particular disciplines, including biology, physics, mathematics, and cognitive science. The conference aims to bring these lines of research into conversation and to explore their broader systematic relevance.

Themes

I. General Philosophy of Science

• Concepts of knowledge and science
• Scientific explanation and causality
• Concepts of space and time
• The organization and classification of the sciences
• ...

II. General Ethics of Science

• Responsibility and compassion in science
• Scientific optimism and pessimism
• The limits, role, and significance of scientific practice
• ...

III. Philosophy of Science in the Special Sciences

• Schopenhauer and evolutionary theory
• Reception in the natural sciences (e.g. physics)
• Philosophy of mathematics
• ...

IV. Ethics of Science in the Special Sciences

• Animal ethics in scientific contexts
• Responsibility in scientific research
• Environmental ethics and sustainability
• ...

Aims and Scope

The conference seeks to develop Schopenhauer’s philosophy as a productive point of reference for current debates in the philosophy of science and the ethics of science. Particular attention will be given to interdisciplinary connections and to work that combines historical scholarship with systematic analysis. Purely historical papers are likewise very welcome.

Submissions

Please send abstracts of approximately 300–500 words for 30-minute presentations to jenslemanski+cfp26@uni-muenster.de.

Conference Information

Important Dates

• Call for papers published: Spring 2026
• Submission deadline: 22 June 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 13 July 2026
• Conference: 30 Nov – 1 Dec 2026

Contact

Center for Philosophy of Science (Executive Office)

Sponsors

• Schopenhauer Society
• Center for Philosophy of Science