06-24-2025

Philosophy professor Imke von Maur brings international emotion research to Eichstätt

Emotions shape our experiences and actions and influence interpersonal relationships. At the same time, emotions are one of the less well understood aspects of human experience and much remains to be researched. The European Philosophical Society for the Study of Emotions (EPSSE) is a forum for scientists to exchange ideas on emotion research. In 2026, the annual conference of the international specialist society will be held at the KU.

The decision to hold the conference in Eichstätt was made at this year's meeting, which took place in Paris in mid-June. Eichstätt philosophy professor Dr. Imke von Maur, who has been President of the specialist society since 2023, issued the invitation. "The fact that we were able to bring international emotion research to Eichstätt is a strong signal for the KU", says von Maur. The decision is a sign of confidence in the location and an opportunity to further strengthen international exchange.

This year's EPSSE conference was organized by Imke von Maur together with the vice presidents of the association, Lucy Osler from Cardiff University and Pilar Lopez Cantero from the University of Antwerp, in cooperation with the Sorbonne-Panthéon University in Paris. Around 100 philosophers from Europe, North America and Asia discussed fundamental questions on the nature of affective phenomena as well as current questions on the role of emotions and affectivity in social, political and cultural contexts. The conference in Paris was noticeably influenced by global political developments. In her opening speech, von Maur emphasized the importance of emotions in the context of social conflicts: "Emotions are not sterile objects of research – they have a decisive influence on our individual and collective everyday lives." Against the backdrop of growing restrictions on academic freedom (for example due to political developments in the USA) she called for the defense of free, collaborative and constructive research.

Annual conference in Paris — Imke von Maur (right) with her colleague Lucy Osler from Cardiff University in Paris

Many of the participating academics approached topics like the affective dimensions of justice, the socio-ecological crisis, political change and war in their research. "These developments don't just affect us theoretically – they challenge us as sentient and responsible subjects", says von Maur. At the same time, she emphasized the positive potential of human emotionality: Resilience, solidarity, creativity, love and the desire for peaceful coexistence are also central themes of philosophical emotion research.

The EPSSE is regarded as one of the most important platforms for philosophical exchange on emotions. The annual conference takes place in different European cities every year – most recently in Lisbon, Tartu, Graz, Pisa, Madrid and Athens. The association is known for its open, collegial atmosphere, which von Maur expressly acknowledged: “We see it as our responsibility not only to stand firmly for academic freedom and intellectual development, but also to continue the special spirit of this community.”