Date: July 30-31, 2026
Venue: Kobe University, Japan (in-person)
Theme: Any topic related to Benedictus de Spinoza
Organizer: Asia Spinoza Circle
Keynote Speaker: Kokubun Koichiro, University of Tokyo
The Asia Spinoza Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce its inaugural Annual International Workshop, establishing a new platform for sustained scholarly exchange among Spinoza researchers connected to Asia. This intensive two-day workshop will bring together a select group of scholars for in-depth discussion of current research in Spinoza studies.
About the Asia Spinoza Circle
The ASC is a collaborative network connecting Spinoza scholars across Asia. We welcome researchers with connections to Asia—whether through origins in Asian countries, cultural and intellectual backgrounds, current institutional affiliations with Asian institutions, or sustained engagement with Asian philosophical traditions. Our inclusive network fosters intellectual exchange and builds a vibrant community exploring Spinoza’s philosophy through diverse Asian perspectives and contexts.
Workshop Format
30-minute presentation followed by 15-minute discussion
Maximum 12 speakers will be selected for intensive scholarly exchange
English-language presentations
Submission Guidelines
We invite abstracts on any aspect of Spinoza’s philosophy, including but not limited to:
Historical and textual studies
Contemporary philosophical engagements
Comparative philosophical approaches
Abstract Requirements
500 words maximum
Author bio (50-100 words) including current affiliation and research interests
Submit to: thiguchi@people.kobe-u.ac.jp (Higuchi, Tomoko)
Postgraduate students and early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
Abstract Deadline: March 30, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: End of April 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026
Workshop: July 30-31, 2026
Note on Inclusivity
In the context of the ASC, “Asian” is understood broadly and inclusively, encompassing:
Scholars based at institutions in Asia (including the Middle East, Central Asia, and Oceania)
Scholars of Asian nationality or heritage, regardless of current institutional affiliation
Scholars whose intellectual background, research trajectory, or community engagement connects closely with Asian philosophical or cultural contexts
For inquiries, please contact: osr1998@gmail.com (Kim, Ki-Myoung), thiguchi@people.kobe-u.ac.jp (Higuchi, Tomoko)
Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/asiaspinozacircle
We look forward to receiving your submissions and to inaugurating this new forum for Spinoza scholarship in Asia.