Call for papers for the conference objects of knowledge,
University of Copenhagen, Denmark 11-12 May 2027
In recent years, history of knowledge has examined knowledge circulation, arenas, and
actors – all implicates objects but without centering on the role of objects in the
production, consumption and circulation of knowledge.
The central theme of the conference is objects of knowledge and how objects, humans
and knowledge are intertwined and entangled in different historical conditions. The
conference sets out to explore what objects of knowledge do as a prism in our research.
We invite papers that address the following themes but not restricted to:
- How can we theoretically understand objects of knowledge? Are they concrete, physical
objects, or abstract objects that more resemble ideas and concepts? - How and when does an object become an object of knowledge?
- How do objects (material, digital, immaterial) (co-)create knowledge in practice? Do
they perform knowledge themselves? - What role do objects play in everyday life?
- How can we methodologically work with objects of knowledge? Can we use ‘object
biographies’ as a means for discerning the trajectories of objects of knowledge in
everyday life? - How does the meaning of an object change over time and across contexts?
Abstracts for individual papers and for panels are welcome. For individual papers: max
300 words; panel proposals max 500 words including names of panelists and titles of their
presentations.
Submissions should be sent to laura.skouvig@hum.ku.dk
Keynotes:
Professor Johan Heinsen, Aalborg University
Professor Greg Bak, University of Manitoba
The conference is funded by the Independent Research Foundation Denmark
Deadline for submission of papers: January 15th 2027
Deadline for acceptance: Early February 2027
Photo by Joel Filipe on Unsplash
