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.
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.
Target group
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.
Campus
This summer school takes place at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
6 ECTS credits are awarded upon successful completion of the programme (including all assessment tasks). Students need to attend the scheduled course contact hours, perform satisfactorily in all continuous assessment tasks of the course (including group work assignments and presentations) and complete the final assessment task (a research paper (4000 words) due eight weeks after the end of the summer school) in order to qualify for a certificate of completion. All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.
To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution.
Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.
Social programme
Participants will be able to get in touch with peers attending other summer schools at the Antwerp Summer University. A visit to the beautiful city hall, a networking reception, a guided city walk, a quiz night, a football game and a day-trip to another Belgian city such as Bruges or Brussels are only some examples of these activities.
All activities of the social programme are offered free of charge, in some cases participants will be asked for a deposit which will be reimbursed upon participation to the activity.