Critical phenomenology of the we

Classical phenomenology offers not only incisive analyses of intentionality, experience, selfhood, empathy and interpersonal understanding, but also quite sophisticated investigations of collective intentionality, affective sharing, social participation, communal experience, and group identity. Indeed, while starting with an interest in the individual mind, phenomenologists began exploring dyadic forms of interpersonal relations shortly before the start of World War I and were deeply engaged in extensive analyses of communal forms of intentionality during the interwar period – at a time when nationalism was on the rise.

Today, the "We" has not lost its place in philosophical, political, or popular discourse. Within the last decade especially, we have witnessed a renewed interest in the early phenomenological reflections on group formations, communal experiences, empathy, and fellow feeling. Does this renewed interest suggest a need to revise our understanding of the "We", or does it attest to its enduring philosophical, social, and political significance/relevance? How have, for instance, perspectives from critical theory and feminist philosophy provided insights into the importance and limitations of questions of belonging, We-experiences, and We-identities? The current conference aims to investigate how this recent critical turn in phenomenology might support, challenge, extend or qualify the classical phenomenological analyses.

The conference will be in the hybrid format. All speakers will be present in person. We hope to see a large audience in Copenhagen, but the talks will also be live streamed.

Please register here in advance
The registration deadline is May 25 at 12:00.

A zoom link will be made available before the start of the conference.