Symposium 2027: “Artificial Intelligence and the Philosophy of Technology” [German original title: „Künstliche Intelligenz und die Philosophie der Technik”]
Fri Mar 5, 2027 – Sun Mar 7, 2027
Start: Fri Mar 5, 2027, 3:00 pm – End: Sun Mar 7, 2027, approx. 12:30 am
Organization: EKŌ Center of Japanese Culture e.V. – Prof. Dr. Hisao MATSUMARU, Dr. Myriam-Sonja HANTKE
Information & registration: Dr. Myriam-Sonja Hantke (phone: +49-211-577918-214, e-mail: hantke@eko-haus.de)
Event languages: German and English – Call for Papers until Sep 30, 2026

Today, artificial intelligence has become an indispensable part of people’s daily lives; examples include search engines, ChatGPT, navigation and traffic management systems, voice assistants, facial recognition, personalized advertising, and more. In this context, AI attempts—by means of algorithms—to mimic human thought, to optimize it, and perhaps, one day, to replace it.
This symposium aims to shed light on the philosophy of AI and technology. It is designed to be both intercultural and interdisciplinary in scope. At its center lie the following questions: What is AI, and how does it function? What are its ethical implications? Is the term “Artificial Intelligence” a contradiction in terms? Will AI one day attain consciousness? To what extent will it shape our future lives? To what degree is AI an expression of “Western thought and Western culture”, and how do other cultures or religions—such as Buddhism—view technology? In this context, the symposium will also explore the place of AI within Japanese culture.

The following sections are planned:

• Intercultural Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence and Technology
• AI and Consciousness
• Western Technology and Buddhism
• AI and Technology in Japan

We welcome submissions from established scholars as well as early-career researchers (doctoral candidates, postdocs) in the fields of Philosophy (Philosophy of Technology, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language, Ethics, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion, etc.), Japanese Studies, Cultural Studies, and related disciplines.

Call for Papers:

• Interested scholars are invited to submit abstracts (in German or English) of 300–500 words by September 30, 2026, to: hantke@eko-haus.de
• Notification of acceptance will be sent in mid-October 2026.
• Limited financial support for travel and accommodation expenses is available for selected speakers.
• The presentations will subsequently be published in Hôrin: Vergleichende Studien zur japanischen Kultur (Hôrin: Comparative Studies on Japanese Culture) by the Iudicium Verlag.

Abstracts and Registration to: Dr. Myriam-Sonja Hantke: hantke@eko-haus.de

The symposium will be held as a hybrid format: Participation is possible online and in person (EKO Hall, limited number of participants!).