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ERCC Conference Inventing the Human
Conference 2023: 'Inventing the Human' - University of Melbourne & Online
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Inventing the Human

29 November - 2 December 2023
Hybrid event, in-person & online
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Victoria, Australia


This interdisciplinary and hybrid conference sets out to place the (liberal-humanist) subject dispatched by posthumanism inside the much larger field of Enlightenment/Romantic thought on this topic—a field that, on the one hand, is no longer imagined as beginning and ending in Europe and, on the other hand, is always already in dialogue or conflict with non-European traditions, understandings, and discourses of the human. We take as our key themes the pasts, futures, and varieties of reason, imagination, liberty, and the body—terms crucial to modern understandings of the human. But we do this in order to ask, in a world where Europe is merely one centre among many, what of this legacy can be dispatched? What can be revised or extended by other traditions? What in the world’s multiple humanities might open new possibilities for the future? And what does our answer to these questions mean for the methods, roles, and organising categories of the Humanities?

Image Credit: Henri Maillardet (1745-1830) Franklin Institute (Wikimedia Commons)

Campus and Location Maps

University of Melbourne, Parkville campus

Arts West Building - North Wing:
Level 5: Rooms 553 & 556, and Research Lounge (552)
Level 1: Forum Theatre (153)
Basement: Kathleen Fitzpatrick Theatre

Conservatorium of Music, Building 141:
Melba Hall

Old Arts Building:
William MacMahon Ball Theatre (107)

Accommodation 

Visitors to Melbourne can find a range of accommodation options within walking distance of the Parkville campus or the distance of a short tram ride, including hotels, airbnbs and hostels. Conference attendees are encouraged to book early as the University will be hosting a number of conference events during this period. 
 
airbnb.com.au 
hostelworld.com  
booking.com 
 
Accessibility 

All conference venues are wheelchair accessible, except the Kathleen Fitzpatrick Theatre (KFT). We regret that lift access to the KFT is scheduled for maintainance works during the conference. We will be using our alternative, accessible venues as much as possible during this event. Please contact Caitlyn at er-cc@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

Hearing loops are available in the Forum Theatre and Kathleen Fitzpatrick Theatre for keynote presentations. Live captioning will be available via the event stream.

Visas for International Visitors

International visitors must hold a valid visa to enter Australia. Please consult the Department of Home Affairs website for more information. Conference attendees may be eligible for apply for a Business Visitor Visa (subclass 600). However, it is essential that you seek advice relevant to your particular circumstances before applying. 
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