Touching time: duration, bodies, politics

The British Society for Phenomenology 2025 International Symposium
The Department of Philosophy and the Department of Culture Studies, University of Tilburg
Netherlands Institute for Cultural Analysis

Location: Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands. In-person and online.
Date: 23rd and 24th June 2025

Keynote speakers:

Professor Lisa Baraitser (Birkbeck, University of London, UK)
Dr David Ventura (Newcastle University, UK)

Theme:

In modern Western thought, time is often seen as a naturally linear, infinite succession of moments, moving from past to future. In this line of thinking, bodies are located in time as in an empty container, while the vastly different ways in which time is shaped by bodies and their interactions tends to be overlooked.

In this two-day symposium, we aim to explore the intersection of embodiment and temporality and to challenge the conception of time as linear succession. We invite our speakers to focus on ways in which different embodied practices, experiences, and relations shape and are shaped by time. Examples of such experiences could be chronic illness, ageing, political displacement, prolonged relationships of love or care, detention, or activism for a seemingly hopeless cause. For bodies in these situations, time can appear to be “stuck,” to stretch, fold, or move in unpredictable ways.

While the starting point of this symposium is phenomenological, we are also open to other intellectual traditions with an interest in lived experience. Contributions may draw on diverse fields, such as the arts, psychosocial theory, anthropology, and literary analysis. We also encourage contributions from practitioners. Questions to be addressed include, but are not limited to, the following:

What are the implications of considering time not just as a transcendental condition of experience but as being constituted by embodied practices?
How can a temporal perspective enrich our understanding of phenomena such as ageing, chronic illness, incarceration, etc.?
Which metaphors might help us think time in non-linear ways?
What are the practical and/or political implications of thinking time in non-linear ways?

Event overview:

The BSP International Symposium is intended to foster closer links between phenomenologists working in the UK and across the world. It offers a platform through which to spotlight areas of excellence and innovation at a different host institution or country each year, entering into dialogue with visiting speakers (and delegates) from the BSP and exploring points of common interest. This year, the BSP is collaborating with partners in the Netherlands.

In order to cultivate the best possible collaborative atmosphere with the resources available, this event will offer in-person participation but online viewing only. Presentations will take place in-person.
We will, however, do our best to support with accessibility needs. Please get in touch with any queries or concerns relating to this (see contact details below).

The event is due to be held at the Mindlabs Building in Tilburg in the Netherlands. There is space for 60 people to attend in-person. An audio system and video projection screen are provided.

Cost of participation and/or attendance:

Sponsorship from the Department of Culture Studies of Tilburg University and the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Analysis means that this event will be accessible free-of-charge to all registered speakers and attendees. Refreshments and a reception will be provided for in-person delegates, as well as the option to attend a creative workshop as part of the programme. Lunch will not be provided.

Membership of the British Society for Phenomenology is not required to participate, but those interested in this event may benefit from joining. Membership includes discounted access to BSP events (in-person and online) and a subscription to the Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology.

Submission Information:

We are seeking contributions to the Symposium of 20-minute presentations. There will be 10 minutes of Q&A following each selected presentation.

Those interested in contributing should send a 300-word abstract to the following email address: [email protected]. The deadline for abstract submissions is Monday 31st March 2025. Decisions will be communicated around mid-April.

This Symposium is organised by

Femke van Hout (PhD Researcher, Tilburg University, NL)
Hans-Georg Eilenberger (University of Humanistic Studies)
Jessie Stanier (BSP team and Lecturer in Philosophy, UWE Bristol, UK)

If you have any questions relating to the event, please contact Hans-Georg Eilenberger and Femke van Hout via the above-mentioned email address.