In recent decades, an increasing number of philosophers in the so called “analytic tradition” have begun to produce exciting philosophical work on topics belonging traditionally to the provenance of systematic theology. The Analytic Theology Project is a multinational four-year endeavor that contributes to this development in a creative way. It funds systematic research to promote long overdue interdisciplinary cooperation among analytic philosophers and theologians. All research initiatives aim at examining the traditional questions of theology from the perspectives of contemporary Christian theology and analytic philosophy. In this way new advances at the intersection of both fields shall be explored. Moreover, the project will critically reflect on possible limits of analytic approaches and will consider the value of complementary philosophical approaches for theological research.

Among the main grant activities for achieving the goals of the project, the 10-day Summer Schools provide younger scholars with a survey of methods of analytic philosophy and theology as well as training in key topics in Analytic Theology. In addition the seminars aim to develop professional relationships among younger scholars in the interest of long-term collaboration and mutual intellectual support as their careers progress.

The Summer School 2013 will be held at Mainz (near Frankfurt/Main) and will focus on the issue of Theological Realism. It proceeds from the observation that the debate initiated by analytic approaches to the Philosophy of Religion can be characterised by three areas of discussion: the relation between the Philosophy of Religion and other philosophical disciplines, the connection between Philosophy of Religion and Theology and finally the correlation between the Anglo-American and the Continental Philosophy. The Frankfurt Summer School will serve as a forum to discuss the problem of Theological Realism as a test case with regard to all of these fields.

Confirmed Speakers:
Philip J. Rossi SJ, Marquette University (USA)
Genia Schönbaumsfeld, University of Southampton (UK)
Sami Pihlström, Collegium for Advanced Studies Helsinki (Finnland)
Merold Westphal, Fordham University (USA)

Deadline for submission: April 15, 2013. For more information, please visit the website.