We are happy to announce this year’s 4TU Ethics PhD Day, taking place on 23 October 2026!
This year, we will explore the relation between philosophy and activism. What does it mean for philosophy not only to understand and interpret the world, but also to contribute to changing it? What does this require from philosophers in terms of what they do, both within and beyond academia? Throughout the day, we will approach this theme from different perspectives, ranging from public engagement and activism to the role of philosophers as public intellectuals. We will also reflect on what it means to do philosophy in the context of the current anti-intellectualist climate, and on the possibilities and challenges of bringing philosophical thinking into public and political spaces.
Date: 23 October (Friday) 2026
Location: Quinton House (Utrecht)
Time: 10.00 – 17.30
You can register through this link, which closes on Friday, October 16th 2026.
Programme
09:30 - 10:00 Reception & Welcome Drinks
10:00 – 10:10 Introduction by the PhD Council
10:10 – 11:00 Thomas Fossen (Leiden University)
Short break
11:10 – 12:00 Patricia Reyes Benavides (University of Twente)
12:00 - 10:30 Lunch
13:00 – 13:45 Activist Organization SETUP
Short Break
13:55 – 14:40 Jonne Maas (The Green Land)
Short Break
14:50 - 15:35 Bernice Bovenkerk (Wageningen University)
15:35 - 16:00 Coffee Break
16:00 - 17:30 Interactive Part
17:30 - 18:00 Hapjes en drankjes
The event gives priority to PhD students, who can register through this registration link. If you are not a PhD student or are not affiliated with 4TU.Ethics, you can still join us in case spots are available .
Looking forward to seeing many of you on October 23!