The Hominin Condition: Phenomenology, Archaeology, and Human Origins
Location: University of Groningen, Faculty of Philosophy, Oude Boteringestraat 52
Date: 18-19 February 2026
Keynote speakers:
Julien Kloeg, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Hub Zwart, Erasmus University Rotterdam
This mini-conference explores how prehistoric human existence may be understood through phenomenology, existential philosophy, and philosophical anthropology. We aim to bring together researchers who examine how embodiment, sociality, material practices, intentionality, and symbolic meaning-making emerged and developed in the Paleolithic era (3.3mya-12kya). We particularly welcome interdisciplinary contributions that engage with recent archaeological, anthropological, or evolutionary-psychological research while relating it to broader philosophical frameworks (e.g., Husserl, Heidegger, De Beauvoir, Foucault, Plessner, Simondon etc.), including perspectives attentive to diversity in lived experience.
We invite proposals from senior scholars as well as PhD candidates and advanced Master’s students. Presentations will be 25-30 minutes, followed by 15-20 minutes of discussion.
Due to the format, space is limited.
Abstracts (max 300 words) should clearly outline the topic, main argument, and literature engagement.
Please send your abstract and a short biographical note (max 100 words) to:
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Deadline for abstracts: 19 December 2025
Notification of acceptance: 31 December 2025
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