Programme overview

This philosophical summer school centers on three challenging issues concerning climate activism today:

• the issue of anger as an appropriate and productive ‘climate emotion’;
• the issue of social and political polarization as unintended consequence of climate activism;
• the issue of resistance and the legitimate use of violence.  

Detailed programme

With a particular emphasis on the themes of anger, backlash, and violence, this summer school critically engages with contemporary philosophical questions about climate activism. Two keynote lectures – by Harriët Bergman (University of Antwerp), “Climate Activism: Anger, Violence, Backlash,” and by Andrea Brock (University of Sussex), “From Climate Despair to Rage and Insurrection: Getting out of ‘Activism’ and Creating a Culture of Resistance” – offer nuanced introductions and thought-provoking analyses that frame the central concerns of the program.

The keynote lectures are complemented by a seminar series that explores the philosophical roots of current environmental thought (Tom Froy and Oscar de Nijs Bik), examines the risk of backlash within ecological militancy (Julie Van der Wielen), investigates the debate between deep ecology and social ecology (Linde De Vroey and Arthur Obst), interrogates the legitimacy of militant political tactics (Coen Schuckink Kool), analyzes the use of irony in climate activism (Andrew Telford), assesses the aptness of anger in environmental justice (Jocelyn Longdon), and considers the role of academic activism (panel discussion).

These theoretical sessions, scheduled for the mornings, are combined with an applied and immersive afternoon program. It includes three practical workshops: Non Violent Direct Action (led by Tractie), Climate and Emotions (led by Stroomversnellers), and Backlash from Industry (led by Climate Obstruction Network). 

In addition to these structured learning opportunities, participants are encouraged to actively contribute through roundtable discussions and to present their own research on climate activism in short paper sessions. A program of social activities – including excursions, an artist-led city walk, and a vegan cooking workshop – complements the themes explored during the seven-day summer school, creating a wonderful and relevant learning experience in the heart of Antwerp’s historic city centre.

Theoretical objectives

1. By examining and exploring a wide range of theoretical perspectives on anger, backlash, and violence, students will enhance their understanding of the complexities of climate activism and gain deeper insights into three particularly challenging themes.
2. Supported by a rich and diverse theoretical framework, students will participate in an open and fundamental philosophical debate on the issues of anger, backlash, and violence.  
3. Through respectful engagement with the assumptions and arguments of opposing viewpoints, students will refine and strengthen their own perspectives, leaving the summer school with a more nuanced and well-grounded understanding of the intricacies of climate activism.

Practical objectives

1. By participating in seminars and debate classes, students will work collaboratively to identify positive answers and practical solutions to some of the most urgent questions surrounding climate activism today.
2. Through workshops, excursions, and social activities that immerse them in climate issues in a hands-on and experiential way, students will learn to express their own emotions and experiences while critically reflecting on how these align with the course's theoretical frameworks.
3. Through an intensive combination of study and practice in both formal and informal learning contexts, students will develop more precise concepts, new lines of reasoning, and stronger arguments, equipping them to engage more thoughtfully and critically in discussions about climate issues