About
Rationality & Normativity Conference
The conference is on the nature of rationality and its relation to normativity, especially on how rationality and reasons generate norms for what to believe, trust or doubt. Rationality provides norms governing our thinking, not only in general (do not form incoherent beliefs), but also in specific cases (do not trust that obvious conman). Which reasons the agent does or does not possess, and their quality, is also important. This conference aims at bringing together experts on these topics and shed light on these phenomena.
Getting a clear picture of what rationality and reasons are and what norms they place on our thinking can aid with applied philosophical issues as well. For example, is conspiracy thinking, distrust towards scientific experts or falling for fake news irrational? If so, which rational norms are violated exactly, and under which circumstances? What does the rational standing of people who engage in these potentially irrational processes teach us about why they engage in them, and what if anything we should do to combat these phenomena?
We accept both talks on foundational questions and about how foundational issues can give us insight into applied matters. Some possible (non-exhaustive) questions to address are:
- What is the nature of rationality? What are reasons?
- Which rational norms are there and how do they arise?
- How are rational norms related to other norms, like moral norms? Can norms oblige us to engage in irrational behavior?
- What does it take to possess reasons? How can they be used to form rational beliefs? What norms arise out of having (or not having) certain reasons?
- Do people who distrust scientific experts violate rational norms? If so, how should we act towards science-sceptics?
- Why are people susceptible to fake news? In what way are rational norms (ab)used to create this susceptibility?
Keynote Speakers:
Benjamin Kiesewetter (Bielefeld University)
Thomas Sturm (Autonomous University of Barcelona)
Eva Schmidt (TU Dortmund)
Matthew McGrath (Washington University in St. Louis)
Dates
Submissions Guidelines
Please submit an abstract of 300-500 words, prepared for blind review. Submit your abstract in either docx. or pdf. formats.
Presentations last 30 minutes, plus 15 minutes for discussion.
There is a 80€ fee for attending the conference. This fee includes the conference dinner.
Abstracts can be sent to the following address by May 31: rationalityandnorms@uhk.cz.
You can use the same email to contact us, if you have any questions.
Selected speakers will be invited to submit a full paper for a special issue we aim to publish with Synthese.
Research Project
Knowledge in the Age of Distrust
This conference is organized by the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Hradec Králové, as part of the consortial project: Knowledge in the Age of Distrust
The project integrates the expertise and methods of several scientific disciplines (in particular philosophy, sociology, computer science, and history of science) to comprehensively analyse and explain the impact of new information technologies on scientific knowledge and social trust in expert knowledge.
The research agenda of the project is carried out in two sub-projects. The conference belongs to the second sub-project, "Rationality and Logic for the Information Society", coordinated at the Department of philosophy and social sciences of the University of Hradec Králové (PI: Ladislav Koreň).
It includes six research activities with methodological foundations in critical and logical analyses of reason and rationality, which are primarily devoted to research into the cognitive and rational principles of communication, critical reflection on critical thinking, analysis of the logical aspects of rationality and knowledge, and examination of the credibility and communication of science in the information society.
Project registration number: CZ.02.01.01/00/23_025/0008711
Schedule
Conference Program
The detailed conference program will be published here closer to the event, alongside information about conference dinner and catering. The conference will run from October 22–24, 2026.
Logistics
Accommodation & Travel
The conference will be held at the University of Hradec Králové, Building B, located at náměstí Svobody 331/2, 500 02 Hradec Králové. This building is situated in the historic city centre, just a short walk from Velké náměstí (the Grand Square).
Hradec Králové is a beautiful city of approximately 94,000 inhabitants, located about 100 km east of Prague at the confluence of the Elbe (Labe) and Orlice rivers. Often called "the Salon of the Republic" for its elegant modernist architecture, it offers a charming historic centre with excellent amenities.
Conference Venue: University of Hradec Králové, Building B – náměstí Svobody 331/2, 500 02 Hradec Králové
Getting to Hradec Králové
By Plane
The most convenient airport for international travellers is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), located approximately 115 km from Hradec Králové. From the airport, you will need to travel to Prague city centre to catch a train or bus onward.
Other nearby airports:
- Wrocław Airport (WRO) – 120 km away, good for travellers from northern Europe
- Brno Airport (BRQ) – 140 km away
- Vienna Airport (VIE) – 240 km away, excellent international connections
The total journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. First, travel from the airport to Prague city centre, then continue by train or bus. Best way is to use Airport Express (AE bus) that runs directly to Prague Main Railway Station. Journey time: ~35 minutes.
By Train – Recommended
Train is the most comfortable way to reach Hradec Králové for European Nationals. Direct services run frequently from Prague, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. There are approximately 40–50 trains per day.
Train Options:
- From Vienna: Take the Railjet or RegioJet to Prague (4 hours), then continue to Hradec Králové.
- From Berlin: EC trains to Prague (4.5 hours), then continue to Hradec Králové.
- From Kraków: Direct trains with Leo Express or RegioJet (5–6 hours) via Ostrava.
- From Warsaw: Direct trains (7–8 hours)
By Bus
Arriving in Hradec Králové
Trains arrive at Hradec Králové hlavní nádraží (main railway station). The bus terminal (Terminál HD) is located adjacent to the railway station. From here, the historic city centre and conference venue are approximately 20 minutes on foot or a short journey by public transport.
Local Public Transport
Hradec Králové has an excellent network of buses and trolleybuses operated by DPMHK. The conference venue is accessible on foot from most central hotels, but public transport is available if needed.
Ticket Options:
- Single tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only).
- Contactless payment (bank card) is available on vehicles.
Accommodation
We recommend staying in or near the city centre for easy access to the conference venue. Most hotels offer good value compared to larger European cities. Prices should range between €60–140 per night (but prices may increase in Autumn tourism season).
Recommended Hotels:
- Nové Adalbertinum,
- EA Hotel Tereziánský Dvůr
- Hotel Grand
- Pension Amátka
Practical Information
Currency:
The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Current exchange rate: approximately 1 EUR = 25 CZK. Cards are widely accepted, but it's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and public transport.
Weather:
Late October in Hradec Králové is typically cool with average temperatures of 8–14°C (46–57°F). Rain is possible, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Useful Websites:
- Train timetables: jizdnirady.idnes.cz, cd.cz, regiojet.com, leoexpress.com
- Prague Airport: prg.aero
- Prague public transport: dpp.cz/en
- Hradec Králové public transport: dpmhk.cz/en
Get in Touch
Contact Us
For general enquiries about the conference, please email us at rationalityandnorms@uhk.cz or contact the main organiser, Auke Montessori (monteau1@uhk.cz or aukemontessori@gmail.com).
Organising Committee:
Auke Montessori
Jaroslav Peregrin
Jaroslav Malík
Program Committee:
Jaroslav Peregrin (University of Hradec Králové and Czech Academy of Sciences)
Ladislav Koreň (University of Hradec Králové)
Auke Montessori (University of Hradec Králové)
Jaroslav Malík (University of Hradec Králové)
Iva Svačinová (University of Hradec Králové)
Stefanie Dach (University of Hradec Králové)
