Theme

ESSWE11 | 16–19 June 2027 – Turku, Finland

Conference theme

One of the most fundamental questions, both historically and in the present day, is how knowledge is produced and legitimised. It is becoming increasingly clear that the processes involved in this are currently undergoing rapid and far-reaching change.

New alternative epistemologies are emerging as we seek diverse perspectives on global politics, equality, justice, the environment and nature, all of which are under threat from climate change and mass extinction. Conspiracy theories and alternative epistemologies are challenging the legitimacy of scientific knowledge, while new feminist ecologies and magical or creative practices are reshaping art and culture. These–and numerous other–new epistemologies and theoretical approaches also offer fresh insights into the past and historical materials.

The ESSWE11 conference invites participants to explore and discuss various aspects of esotericism in relation to alternative epistemologies in the broadest sense.

By definition, esotericism is closely linked to the concept of knowledge. It can be defined as the pursuit of higher, absolute or salvational knowledge, or 'gnosis'.

Since ancient times, gnosis has denoted a spiritual insight that reveals the significance and purpose of humanity as part of the cosmos and creation as a whole. The ways and means of acquiring knowledge have often transcended the generally accepted methods of knowledge production that existed at the time. Esoteric knowledge is also associated with the tension between concealment and revelation, relating not only to communication difficulties, but also to power struggles, social resistance and educational pursuits. Alternative knowledge systems are also intrinsically linked to creative practices and imagination.

Alternative epistemologies

At this ESSWE conference, esotericism will be explored by focusing on alternative epistemologies, knowledge systems, and legitimization by which people seek not only to express what they perceive as higher knowledge, but also as some kind of solution to various needs and challenges past and present.

Building on the themes mentioned above, the ESSWE conference invites participants to explore and discuss various aspects of esotericism in relation to alternative epistemologies, broadly defined.

Possible discussion topics include, but are not limited to:
  • New and emerging research paradigms in the study of esotericism, such as posthumanism and new materialism
  • New or alternative ontologies in the past and present
  • Research, knowledge, and experiences produced with, on and about non-human and more-than-human intelligences
  • The connections between esotericism and alternative interpretations of the present and past
  • How are mental, physical and experiential experiences articulated, made visible and understood, and how are they shared?
  • Epistemological challenges and benefits that emerge when the lines between practitioner and scholar are blurred or crossed
  • Esoteric and occult practices, and divination techniques, as ways of acquiring knowledge
  • Alternative epistemologies and knowledges within indigenous cultures
  • Philosophy of science, knowledge, and esotericism
  • Esoteric currents as appliers, modifiers and creators of epistemological models from antiquity to the present day

Important dates

Call for papers opens

2 November 2026

Submission deadline

15 January 2027

Notification of acceptance

28 February 2027

Early bird registration ends

31 March 2027