Department of History

Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History. An exploratory workshop on rethinking the ontology of history

9–10.07.2026

Organizer: Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni
Bielefeld University, Building 
X-B2-103 (09.07.2026 – 14:00 -18:00)
X-A2-103 (10.07.2026 – 09:00 – 18:00)

The project “Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History”, which is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, aims to reconceptualize how historical disciplines understand the past by engaging with ongoing debates in the philosophy of science—particularly in physics—about ontological models of the physical world. The project is grounded in the assumption that our understanding of the past is greatly shaped by our perception of the material world and the attendant theories. This exploratory interdisciplinary workshop brings together historians, philosophers of science, physicists, and theorists of history to rethink the ontology of the past. Building on recent developments in the philosophy of physics, quantum mechanics, and new materialism it explores how contemporary understandings of physical reality can inspire innovative ways of conceptualizing historical phenomena.

Advance registration is required.

Please register via: karen.gamm@uni-bielefeld.de

Organizer: Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni, Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology – Department of History

Workshop program as a PDF

In accordance with the Bielefeld concept, all areas of the department deal with "general history" with particular emphasis on their respective specialisation.