Hejnice Summer School 2024

Memories of the 2024 Summer School in Hejnice

Organised by the University of Pardubice (Czech Republic) in collaboration with partner institutions from the Visegrad region, the summer school took place in Hejnice, Czech Republic, from 3 to 7 June 2024 (four days in person and six online).

Through lectures, workshops, and field visits, we explored topics such as posthumanism, decolonial ecology, and environmental responsibility. The visit to the nearby Turów mine, one of the largest lignite mines in the Czech-Polish-German border area, was particularly insightful. Its legal, social, and ethical implications illustrated the practical relevance of philosophical research in understanding environmental conflicts and cross-border governance.

Outside the seminars, the setting in monastery of Hejnice, surrounded by forests and mountains, offered time for reflection and exchange in a more informal way. Shared meals, evening discussions, and small excursions helped create a sense of community and openness that complemented the academic work. These moments were just as valuable as the lectures themselves, fostering genuine dialogue and future and longlasting friendships.