READING LANGER IN DIALOGUE
A Close-Reading Workshop on Susanne K. Langer
26–27 April 2027
This workshop will explore Susanne K. Langer’s philosophy in a somewhat unusual format. Rather than following the standard model of individual paper presentations followed by brief Q&A sessions, the workshop will be organised around close reading, moderated discussion, and collaborative interpretation.
Each session will focus on a selected set of passages from Langer’s work, brought into dialogue with another author or philosophical tradition, scientific theory, or artistic movement. Participants will be asked to read the material in advance and to come prepared for focused discussion. The aim is to create a working atmosphere in which Langer’s texts can be examined carefully, critically, and constructively.
While certain connections, such as Whiteheadean or Cassirerean roots of Langer’s philosophy, have already been explored, others have only been noted or not discussed at all. We especially welcome proposals that place Langer in dialogue with figures she herself, often critically, discusses, such as Henri Bergson, George Santayana, Clive Bell, John Dewey etc. We are equally interested in proposals that connect Langer with particular thinkers she does not explicitly address, but whose work may illuminate, challenge, or resonate with her concepts (or vice versa) — for example Nelson Goodman, Arthur C. Danto, or more recent philosophers of art, mind, affect, embodiment, environment or biology.
Since the workshop is co-organised by the Department of Aesthetics in Prague, we particularly encourage contributions focused on Langer’s philosophy of art, aesthetics, and philosophy of mind.
Format
Each accepted proposal will form the basis of one workshop session. The proposer is not expected to deliver a full conference paper. Instead, they will briefly introduce the selected topic, explain the relevance of the chosen passages, and guide a moderated discussion among participants.
Proposals
Proposals should include two parts:
First, please indicate the textual material you would like the session to discuss. This should include passages from Langer’s work and may also include passages from the work of her interlocutor. The selected material may come from different books or essays and may consist of extracts rather than entire texts. Please be considerate in the amount of material proposed: the goal is to make careful collective reading possible. Material by Langer’s interlocutor may be included, but it should not exceed the amount of Langer’s own text.
At this stage, we ask only for a reasonably clear indication of the material you wish to use. More precise selections can be agreed upon after acceptance.
Second, please include a short description of your aims, up to 500 words. This description should explain why you wish to put Langer into dialogue with the chosen person. It should also indicate the main questions you would like the session to raise. For example: What does this comparison help us understand about Langer? What tensions, affinities, or blind spots does it reveal? What philosophical problem might become clearer through this dialogue?
Practical information
The workshop will take place in Prague on 26–27 April 2027. The exact venue will be announced later.
Submission and enquiries
Please send your proposals by 31 October 2026 to Šárka Lojdová at sarka.lojdova@ff.cuni.cz. Proposals should include a brief description of the proposed session, up to 500 words, together with an indication of the passages and other material to be discussed. Please also include a short statement of motivation (up to 250 words).
We also welcome expressions of interest by those who do not wish to organize their own session but would like to take part in the discussions. The number of participants will be limited. Registration will open on January 1, together with the announcement of the programme. If you want to be notified that the registration is open, please let us know.
The workshop is organized by Tereza Hadravová (Charles University in Prague) as part of her project Susanne K. Langer: Cognitive Aesthetics (25-17273S). Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Email: tereza.hadravova@ff.cuni.cz.