We are glad to give notice of the conference on the topic “The Enigma of Fichte’s First Principle(s)” that will take place at University of Leuven on April 27th-28th, 2018.

Please find the conference programme below:

Keynote speakers:

Prof. Dr. Alexander Schnell (Bergische Universität Wuppertal)

Prof. Dr. G. Anthony Bruno (Royal Holloway, University of London)

Conference venue:

Huis Bethlehem, Schapenstraat 34, Leuven

Conference presentation:

One of the most controversial topics in present-day Fichte research concerns the nature and identity of the first principle of his Wissenschaftslehre and its relation to the various sub-disciplines of his system. Some scholars see the foundational principle (Grundsatz) as the “I”, “I am”, or “absolute I”, others find it best expressed in the logical relationship “I = I”, or in the more complex transcendental formulation: “originally the I posits its own being absolutely”; while yet others reject the notion that the Wissenschaftslehre is a foundational philosophy at all. Despite Fichte’s claim that his first principle was fully self-evident and could be admitted by all, there seems to be no general consensus on this issue. The aim of this workshop is to acquire greater clarity concerning the philosophical status and role of Fichte’s Grundsatz by subjecting it to a fresh and critical re-examination.

Registration and Conference Dinner:

The conference fee (including coffee and lunch breaks) is € 10 for both days (without conference dinner) or € 55 (with conference dinner).

Registration is free for KU Leuven students and staff members.

Please register at the conference website and indicate whether you want to join the dinner (before April 22).

For the program, registration and practical information, see https://hiw.kuleuven.be/eng/events/fichte-conference/index.html

Contact: david.wood@kuleuven.be

Organizers: David Wood, Karin de Boer and Elise Frketich