Redefining Agency – Legal and Philosophical Perspectives
University of Helsinki | August 18–20, 2025
The notion of agency is central to our understanding of the self, responsibility, and social order. It influences disciplines ranging from philosophy and sociology to law and politics. Yet defining agency—and identifying its bearers—remains deeply contested.
This interdisciplinary conference explores how agency is constructed, challenged, and redefined across contexts. It brings together scholars working on human, nonhuman, collective, and artificial agents, and aims to bridge theoretical debates that are often siloed between disciplines.
Keynote Speakers
- Gunther Teubner – Emeritus Professor of Private Law and Legal Sociology, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main
- Anna Arstein-Kerslake – Associate Professor in Disability Human Rights Law, Melbourne Law School
- Veronica Rodriguez-Blanco – Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy (Jurisprudence), Surrey Law School, University of Surrey
- Eva Meijer – Postdoctoral Researcher on Animal Law, University of Amsterdam; philosopher, artist, writer, and musician
Registration
The registration fee is €150, with a reduced fee of €100 for PhD candidates and students.
The fee includes lunches, coffee, the conference dinner, and the University of Helsinki reception.
If you believe you qualify for a reduced fee outside these categories, please contact us at legacy@helsinki.fi.
The registration deadline is July 31.
The language of the conference is English, and we expect the conference format to be fully in-person, taking place at the University of Helsinki.
Further details and the conference programme are available on the conference website.