Antwerp, Belgium

MicroStories: Philosophy and Ethics of Microbes

The Antwerp Summer School in Philosophy and Society seeks to address philosophical issues and problems pertaining to recent developments in Western societies. Its specific aim is to reflect on some of the major themes and debates that have recently emerged in the public sphere. This year's theme is the Philosophy and Ethics of Microbes.

Microbes are at the origin of all life. Without bacteria, viruses and other uni- or acellular organisms, life as we know it would cease to exist. The recent spark in microbial interests is underscored by their potential for innovations in medicine and technology. Despite this increasingly concerted gaze towards microbes, they have received relatively little attention from philosophers and ethicists.

Throughout this summer school, we will delve into the intricate worlds and biomes of the invisible from a transdisciplinary perspective. We will look at microbes from a philosophy of science and ethics perspective and explore how these two disciplines, often separated by disciplinary bounds, can come together when studying the microbiome. At the same time, we will look beyond the limits of academic philosophy and explore the possibilities of engaging with (bio)arts and literature to inform and enrich microbial reflections. We investigate whether and how critical posthumanism can inspire philosophers of science and bioethicists. Additionally, we will explore how literary texts critically engage with symbiosis, post-genomics, or feedback loops between different scales of the biosphere.

Target group

Ma-students, Masters and PhD-students interested in topics from philosophy and history of science, environmental humanities, health humanities, narrative ethics, and feminist bio-ethics.

Prerequisites:
Participants should have at least completed 2 full years of education in a relevant field of study.

Credits info

6 EC
6 ECTS credits are awarded upon successful completion of the programme. All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.

Students need to attend the scheduled course contact hours, perform satisfactorily in the continuous assessment task of the course (including drafting a short design for the research paper) and complete the final assessment task (an individual research paper due September 1) in order to qualify for a certificate of completion.

Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.

To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution.

​

Fee info

EUR 250: Regular students

The tuition fee includes course material, 10 coffee breaks, 5 lunches, 1 excursion, 1 closing dinner, and social activities. It does not include travel or housing.
EUR 200: University of Antwerp students and alumni

The tuition fee includes course material, 10 coffee breaks, 5 lunches, 1 excursion, 1 closing dinner, and social activities. It does not include travel or housing.