About

This year, the Antwerp Summer School in Philosophy and Society focuses on climate activism. In a world where the fight for a livable climate and climate justice is increasingly under pressure, we address some of the more challenging and uncomfortable issues regarding climate activism. These include, among others, anger, backlash, and violence.Participants are invited to engage in an open and fundamental philosophical debate, exploring key questions on the economies of emotions, organising strategies and tactics, and unintended consequences of climate activism. Through careful consideration of a wide range of arguments and various future scenarios, we aim to deepen our understanding of the complexities of climate activism and work together to find positive answers, practical solutions, and perhaps ‘hope in the dark’.

Overview

This philosophical summer school centers on three challenging issues concerning climate activism today:

the issue of anger as an appropriate and productive ‘climate emotion’;
the issue of social and political polarization as unintended consequence of climate activism;
the issue of resistance and the legitimate use of violence.

Programme Structure

Theoretical objectives

By examining and exploring a wide range of theoretical perspectives on anger, backlash, and violence, students will enhance their understanding of the complexities of climate activism and gain deeper insights into three particularly challenging themes.

Supported by a rich and diverse theoretical framework, students will participate in an open and fundamental philosophical debate on the issues of anger, backlash, and violence.

Through respectful engagement with the assumptions and arguments of opposing viewpoints, students will refine and strengthen their own perspectives, leaving the summer school with a more nuanced and well-grounded understanding of the intricacies of climate activism.

Practical objectives

By participating in seminars and debate classes, students will work collaboratively to identify positive answers and practical solutions to some of the most urgent questions surrounding climate activism today.

Through workshops, excursions, and social activities that immerse them in climate issues in a hands-on and experiential way, students will learn to express their own emotions and experiences while critically reflecting on how these align with the course's theoretical frameworks.

Through an intensive combination of study and practice in both formal and informal learning contexts, students will develop more precise concepts, new lines of reasoning, and stronger arguments, equipping them to engage more thoughtfully and critically in discussions about climate issues.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 9 days

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-06-27 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

6 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Antwerpen, Belgium

Disciplines

Philosophy

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

The summer school is intended for master students, advanced bachelor students or PhD students with a background or degree in philosophy.

Students will receive preparatory readings (not mandatory) in advance. During the summer school, there will be several opportunities for selected PhD students to present their research and contribute their expertise to enrich the learning process. Details will be shared in advance.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Antwerp and/or in Belgium, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

400 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 400 EUR per year during 9 days.
National

400 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 400 EUR per year during 9 days.

Regular (PhD) students: €400

University of Antwerp students and alumni: €200

Living costs for Antwerpen

787 - 1230 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Anger, Backlash, Violence: Climate Activism Today University of Antwerp