We are pleased to invite submissions for the 2026 Graduate Conference “Cusanus Contra Bohemos. Revisiting Nicholas of Cusa”, hosted at Charles University, Prague, on November 19 & 20. Please find the call for abstracts below:

Nowadays, when one is described as a Renaissance man, we take it to mean that they are well-versed in many disciplines. In this sense, the designation could certainly be applied to 15th century mathematician, theologian, diplomat, and lawyer Nicholas of Cusa. Yet Nicholas also bears a different, more literal meaning of the designation, since he is himself a figure constitutive of the Renaissance. A substantial body of scholarship has developed since the interest in Cusanus was renewed by Ernst Cassirer and other Neo-Kantians. To this day, Nicholas remains a figure of controversy among historians of philosophy. On one hand, he continues to be rejected, much as he had been by John Wenck in his own time; on the other hand, scholars continue to seek new ways of understanding his thought and its significance for the intellectual, political, and legal developments of the 15th century. Both approaches must ultimately confront the same question posed by Nicholas himself: Quomodo hoc possit per nostrum attingi intellectum? How can this be grasped by our understanding?

The conference seeks to explore Nicholas’ work in its broader historical and intellectual context. While abstracts on all aspects of his work are welcome, we place particular emphasis on his political and legal thought, especially the interconnection of jurisprudence, political authority, ecclesiology, and sovereignty in his writings, as well as the intellectual traditions that shaped his thought.

The following topics are of particular interest, but all Cusanus-related contributions are suitable:

• comparative perspectives on Cusanus and his contemporaries
• law, theology, and political legitimacy in the works of Nicholas of Cusa
• Nicholas of Cusa’s contribution to legal philosophy and jurisprudence
• sovereignty and political authority in De Concordantia Catholica, De Auctoritate Praesidendi, and Epistola ad Bohemos
• the relation of secular and ecclesiastical power in Nicholas‘ political thought
• new approaches to the interpretation of Nicholas of Cusa’s political and legal writings
• Cusanian mereology and the notion of Unity

We encourage submissions from graduate students, doctoral candidates, and other early-career researchers, but proposals from scholars at all career stages are warmly welcome.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

• Paul Richard Blum (Loyola University Maryland)
• Lenka Karfíková (Charles University)
• Andrea Fiamma (Academy of Sciences)
• Witalij Morosow (Kues Academy)

Submission Guidelines:

To apply for the conference, please submit an anonymous abstract of no more than 300 words for review to cusanus.contra.bohemos@gmail.com along with a short personal bio. The submission deadline is 1 September 2026. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by 10 September 2026. We look forward to reading your submissions!

The conference will be held in person in Prague, Czech Republic. Please note that the conference is self-funded and travel and accommodation expenses cannot be reimbursed.

Do not hesitate to direct further questions or queries to the organising committee at cusanus.contra.bohemos@gmail.com