What Are We Even Doing? Metaphilosophical Conversations

When? Friday, June 13th, 2025, 5 - 7 PM

Where?  HS 3D, NIG, University of Vienna (Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria)

Speakers:

Maria Kronfeldner (CEU) 

Angelica Stathopoulos (Postdoctoral Fellow at The Institute for Cultural Inquiry Berlin)

Kiki Miru Miroslava Svolikova (Playwright, Translator)

Description:

UPsalon, a salon dedicated to underrepresented philosophers at the Department of Philosophy (University of Vienna), together with the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy, are organizing an event on metaphilosophy. The event aims to explore fundamental questions concerning the methods, topics, and scopes of philosophical inquiry.

Metaphilosophy critically examines what philosophy is, how it is practiced, and what its broader societal implications are. In line with these thoughts, we seek to engage in a reflective discourse on the boundaries of philosophical activity, the ways in which philosophy is conducted, and its intersections with artistic and political practices. At best, our conversations will reveal sides and aspects of philosophy that fundamentally challenge our conceptions of the discipline. On this score, we might refer to a consideration by Nelson Goodman, suggesting that “[c]omprehension and creation go on together”. (Ways of Worldmaking 1984, p. 22)

Aims and Scope of the Conversation:

This event will serve as a platform to interrogate the traditional contours of philosophizing and its potential evolution. Some key topics we aim to explore include:

• The boundaries of philosophy: What are the realms of philosophy? When or where does a practice cease to be philosophical? And where does a practice that is not classified as philosophical enter into the realms of philosophy?
• The role of artistic and political methodologies in philosophy: Can literary expression, political activism, or artistic experimentation serve as valid and/or productive forms of philosophical inquiry?
• The limitations of academic structures: How do restrictive institutional frameworks shape, or hinder, philosophical activity?
• The inclusivity of philosophical discourse: Who are we willing to perceive as a philosopher?

By examining these questions, we aspire to develop a more nuanced, and perhaps even messier understanding of what it means to engage in philosophical thought and discourse.

As a salon for underrepresented philosophers, UPsalon seeks to create an open and inclusive space for philosophical engagement beyond conventional academic constraints. The very impetus for this event arises from our core mission: to challenge the restrictive frames that often define what philosophy is and who gets to participate in it. Traditional academic structures tend to privilege certain voices while marginalizing others, limiting not only individual opportunities but also the richness of philosophical discourse itself. By fostering a space where unconventional approaches and perspectives can flourish, UPsalon aims to encourage richer participation in philosophy and facilitate discussions that extend beyond institutional boundaries. This event is an integral part of that effort — bringing together scholars who question, reimagine, and push the limits of what philosophy can be.

Organization and Moderation: 

Mira Magdalena Sickinger mira.magdalena.sickinger@univie.ac.at 

Piet Fritz Pankratz piet.pankratz@univie.ac.at

Stammtisch #4

First Meeting Critical Anti-Racism Working Group

When? June 27th at 6 PM

Where? Tunnel Vienna, Florianigasse 39, 1080 Wien

What?

UPsalon would like to cordially invite you to our Stammtisch or "regular's table"!

This time, we will use the Stammtisch for a first meeting of the critical Anti-Racism Working Group at the Institute of Philosophy. We discuss concerns, ideas and best practices at other departments such as Racism-Critical working group at the department of African Studies, and set up goals and aims for our own working group. You can find more information of the group here: https://afrika.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/wg-against-racism/

In line with this, we invite you to join us for a first meeting and discussion organised with UPSalon. The working group highly encourages participation from all levels at University. This will be a yet informal group of people who care about and are interested in taking up the topic of racism in the university ecosystem. This working group is concerned with the kinds of work, ideas and activities that improves awareness, enhances visibility, initiates discussions and interventions among all levels and practices of the institution.

UPsalon are a group of Master-level, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers; the initiative aims at creating a space and community in Vienna where underrepresented philosophers – such as women, gender minorities, racialised minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged people and people disadvantaged by society – can connect on a regular basis. For more information, check out our website!

People from all stages in their philosophical career are welcome, and we are especially excited to meet those who we have not yet met.

We are very much looking forward to meeting all of you!
Do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.