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Education University of Groningen Summer Schools

Two is One

Nondualism in Metaphysics, Aesthetics, and Society: a cross-cultural perspective

One of the oldest philosophical questions is how to relate the One and the Many. Nondualism is a radical (dis)solution (of)to this question, since it argues that the One and the Many are neither reducible to one another, nor genuinely different from one another. The One is essentially Manifold, and the Many are essentially Unified. This seemingly abstract metaphysical view is rich in ontological, cognitive, linguistic, aesthetic, and socio-political implications. The goal of this summer school is to create an interdisciplinary platform to explore the metaphysical, aesthetical and sociological ramifications of non-dualism in a cross-cultural perspective.

As reference points for this investigation, we shall take two of the most representative non-dualistic philosophies emerged both in Western and Eastern thought. We shall bring into dialogue Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy, rooted in the early modern period in Europe, with the non-dual strands of the Śaiva Tantra tradition flourished in medieval Kashmir (including authors such as Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta), which then spread throughout India.

This summer school aims at creating a platform for the cross-cultural study of nondualism in both of these philosophical and religious traditions, and beyond by fostering interdisciplinary exchanges between established scholars, and engaging advanced students and early career researchers as well. 

The event will be hybrid. We’ll host four weekly online reading groups before the in-person period (which will take place in Rotterdam). These online activities will enable all participants to gain an equal footing in the root texts. The in-person event will have the format of a conference, with keynote speakers and shorter presentations. This will then be followed by another online period for joint-presentations and round table discussions from the participants.

Practical information

Dates
In-person: 28 - 30 August 2024
Online: June - September 2024
Location
Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Level

MA/PhD/Postdocs/Researchers

Fees

€ 150 from UG/EUR Master students
€ 250 from PhD students or researchers

Academic coordinators

Andrea Sangiacomo, Philosophy
Elena Mucciarelli, Religion Culture and Society – Institute of Indian Studies

Mart Nieuwland, Teaching Assistant for the summer school

Contact

summerschoolphilosophy@rug.nl (TBC)
Mart Nieuwland, Teaching Assistant for the summer school

Requirements

This course is designed for students of religious Studies, Philosphy, Sociology, Anthropology. In particular, scholars interested in exploring the implications of nondualist ways of thinking in the unfolding of religious everday life as well as in ontological and linguistic theories. Experts of Spinoza and of Śaiva tradition interested in comparative study.

Some prior familiarity with either Western or Indian thought is a plus, but it is not required that participants are already familiar with both. Participants interested in other nondual traditions or sources are also very welcome to attend and engage in the discussion.

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Learning outcomes

After this course you will be able to:

  • Familiarize with main texts and topics in both the Śaiva tradition and Spinoza’s philosophy
  • Reflect on how to bring into dialogue sources from different cultures
  • Refine nondualist approaches in different areas of culture and philosophy
  • Reflect on new potential avenues and implementations for nondualist views in today’s society

Workload

Preparation: 30 hours
Lectures: 20 hours
Online meetings: 24h
Presentation: 10 hours (including preparation)

Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 84 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.


Participants who successfully complete the summer school (including the assessments) have the possibility to obtain a Proof of Competence (digital credential) to acknowledge participation and engagement with the content. Participants who qualify for a Proof of Competence can obtain a digital badge via the EduBadges platform managed by SURF— the cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions. The digital badge is stored on this platform and contains metadata, making the content, learning outcomes, study load hours and language of instruction of the educational activity clear and transparent. The digital badge is therefore verifiable and can be shared on, for example, a CV or LinkedIn.

Course schedule

Download the preliminary schedule at the button below!

Scholarships

The British Society for the History of Philosophy is offering up to 3 scholarships for doctoral students to attend the Summer School. The bursary (of approximately 300 euros) can be used to cover (part of) the costs of travel and accommodation. Sustainable travel (e.g. by train) is particularly encouraged. 

To apply for this scholarship, please mention it in your motivation letter and give a short reason why you should be considered for the scholarship. Priority will be given to applicants who will also be presenting at the conference, and (other things being equal) to those from disadvantaged areas or counties, or from under-represented groups.

Application

To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
  • Motivation letter, clearly stating why you want to join this summer school, what you will bring to the school and what you hope to learn (max. 1 page)
  • Participants can send a short proposal (250 words) for a presentation, to be hosted either at the in-person conference or during the final round table online

The deadline for application is 15 May 2024. Selected applicants will be informed by 22 May 2024.

Last modified:29 July 2024 3.11 p.m.