PRAXIS – Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Culture (University of Beira Interior/University of Évora) is pleased to announce the 1st International Conference of PRAXIS, to be held on September 11-12, 2025, at the University of Beira Interior, in Covilhã, Portugal. Under the theme “Rethinking the Practice of Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, this event aims to explore the profound transformations that new technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), are bringing to our thinking practices, both on an individual and societal level.

The rapid development of language and image production technologies has sparked intense debates about the impact of AI on people's lives, institutions, and society in general. In light of these changes, it is essential to rethink the very practice of thinking and ask how AI is shaping the way we understand intelligence, consciousness, and human thought.

Invited Speakers

• Astrid Wagner (Institute of Philosophy, CSIC)

• Luca Possati (University of Twente)

• Pieter Lemmens (Radboud University)

The conference will address key issues related to AI, including the relationship between artificial and human intelligence, the different forms of thinking (such as utilitarian, abstract, and reflective thinking), and the ethical, social, and political challenges arising from the increasing implementation of AI. Topics such as AI governance, the impact of AI on democracy and institutions, and the role of technology in transforming thinking practices will also be discussed, considering how these technologies are reshaping our traditional ways of knowing, thinking, and acting.

Call for Proposals

PRAXIS invites all interested parties to submit their communication proposals for the conference. Proposals must be submitted by May 31, 2025, to the email praxis@ubi.pt. Submissions should include an abstract (250-350 words) and a brief biographical note (up to 100 words) of the author(s).

Communications will be allocated 20 minutes and may be presented in English or Portuguese. Proposals for panels(preferably with gender diversity) are also welcome. Communications will be evaluated, and acceptance or rejection notifications will be sent by July 1, 2025.

Themes and Key Issues

The conference will address a range of relevant issues, including:

• The relevance of the concepts of intelligence, thinking, and rationality to understanding AI and vice versa.

• The relationship between human intelligence and AI, with a focus on consciousness, intentionality, and embodiment.

• How different forms of human thinking relate to AI.

• The transformation of thinking practices through AI.

• The ethical challenges of AI in various fields, such as pedagogy, medicine, law, and governance.

• AI and its implications for democracy and governance.

The goal of the conference is to discuss not only the risks posed by AI-driven changes but also the possibilities of controlling or beneficially using the new thinking practices that AI enables, reflecting on whether we should adapt AI to the human being or if machines should be developed according to human needs.

The full call and more information are attached.

CFP - PT

CFP - EN