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The Revival of Metaphysics in the Philosophy of ReligionNew Universalisms, Catholicities, and their Opposites
KU Leuven, Belgium
10, 11 & 12 September 2026
Deadline proposals: 15 March 2026
Notification of acceptance: 15 April 2026
Conference registration: before 1 July 2026
Metaphysics, once vehemently criticised by logical positivists and postmodernists alike, seems to make a comeback both in the context of the analytic tradition and of the continental schools of phenomenology and critical thinking. Is there really a return of metaphysics and if so, what types of metaphysics are involved? A return of metaphysics forces us to reconsider our attitude towards premodern and modern philosophical and theological thought, with implications for the nature and tasks of philosophy of religion. What are the consequences for our view of the relationship between philosophy and theology?
More pressing questions are:
1. Which varieties of contemporary metaphysics are most relevant for the philosophy of religion? What brings this metaphysical turn about? Can religion do without metaphysics? Is a metaphysical approach in the philosophy of religion in any sense avoidable?
2. Does a metaphysical turn overcome the standard objections to metaphysics? Is there any truth to post-metaphysical approaches?
3. Does the emergent universalism within contemporary metaphysics encourage a joint search for common ground between philosophical and religious traditions? Can a revised notion of catholicity which goes beyond particularist approaches, bring different traditions closer together? Or should it strengthen the post-metaphysical critique and formulate opposites at the limits of possibility of that search?
4. What are the ethical and political consequences of the return of metaphysics in philosophy of religion? Is a return to metaphysics and universalism in danger of bringing back a discourse of dominance and logocentrism? Is the search for common ground used as power tool?
More information about these subthemes can be found in the Call for Papers on the website: https://theo.kuleuven.be/en/espr2026/call-for-papers
About the ESPR: The European Society for Philosophy of Religion provides a forum for researchers employing different approaches to the philosophy of religion. See http://www.philosophy-of-religion.org.
Check the website for more information:
https://theo.kuleuven.be/en/espr2026/
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Event Venue
Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Sint-Michielsstraat 9, 3000 Leuven, België, Leuven, Belgium
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