Nature and Super-Nature Geographies of the natural, the post-natural and
the super-natural
A conference organised by the Society-Nature Research Group at the
University of Exeter 20 - 21st September 2007, Exeter University
This conference seeks to explore new and emerging themes in contemporary
geography’s post-dualistic engagement with ‘Nature’. We have organised the
conference around three themes: the ‘natural’, the ‘post-natural’ and the
super-natural’ and we invite papers in (and between) each of these areas.
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Natural
If ‘Nature’ has long been one of the privileged domains of geographical
enquiry, geographers have, in recent years, been at the forefront of
interrogations into the nature and status of ‘Nature’. Drawing upon
constructivism, phenomenology, post-structuralism, materiality and post-
humanism, they have both challenged Nature’s difference while at the same
time, embraced its multiplicity. We welcome papers that contribute to
these penetrating debates.
The ‘Post-Natural’
Attempts to go beyond nature/society dualisms have taken geographers into
debates about ontology and the post-natural. They have explored different
ways of understanding the networks through which humans and non-human
phenomena intertwine and the hybrid spaces in which these operate. We are
particularly keen here to explore ways in which the work on the post-
natural has raised questions about social nature, (bio)technology and the
human body. Particular areas of interest may include: Techno-bodies and
nature / The body, flesh, intensities and flows / Ethics, bio-technology
and the body / Body practices, power and nature / Health, exercise and the
natural body.
The ‘Super-Natural’
The term ‘supernatural’ refers to processes and events deemed to be beyond
or above the world of nature and its laws. In particular it has
classically been used to describe occurences and/or entities that cannot
be witnessed, understood or explained in terms of the conventional methods
and frameworks of empirical science. In this session we wish to exploit
and explore the double promise of the supernatural: as both the Other of
natural law and perception, and as that which transcends and goes beyond
(and perhaps even comes after) nature. Bringing together these
supernatural strands, we welcome papers on: Hauntology / Spectral, uncanny
and ghostly natures and spaces / Haunting and affect / Visibility and
invisibility / Virtual or post-natures / Simulated natures / Enhanced
natures
Offers of papers (including abstracts of not more than 200 words) should
be sent, by July 1st to [log in to unmask] or to:
Henry Buller, Department of Geography, University of Exeter Amory
Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ
The conference fee is £20 which includes registration, coffee/tea and
lunch (free to postgraduates). The organisers can supply lists of possible
accommodation.
Registration: contact [log in to unmask] for further details.
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