Nature: Visible and Invisible – Philosophy, Science and Esotericism in Modern Thought
International Conference
Cagliari, 6-8 May 2026
Venue
6 May : Aula Motzo, Campus Sa Duchessa, Facoltà di Studi Umanistici, Via Is Mirrions 1 – Cagliari
7-8 May: Sala Settecentesca, Biblioteca Universitaria, via Università 32/a – Cagliari
Participants
Alberto Bonchino, Roberto Bondì, Laura Follesa, Douglas Hedley, Jocelyn Holland, Sean McGrath, Elisabeth Millán, Vicki Müller-Lüneschloß, Ludovica Neri, Matthew Nini, Olli Pitkänen, Friedemann Stengel
Program
Mercoledì 6/Wednesday 6 May – Aula Motzo
14:00 Saluti iniziali/ Opening Remarks (Laura Follesa, Sean McGrath)
Chair: Laura Nicolì
14:30 – 15:15 Douglas Hedley, The World Soul and Wisdom
15:15 – 16:00 Sean McGrath, The Concept of Ground in the German Tradition
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
Chair: Laura Nicolì
16:30 – 17:15 Jocelyn Holland, The Thresholds of Rest (Ruhe) in German Romanticism and Naturphilosophie: Mechanical, Medical, and Metaphysical
17:15 – 18:00 Elisabeth Millán, Grasping the Spirit of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s Approach
Giovedì 7/Thursday 7 May – Sala Settecentesca
Chair: Gabriella Baptist
9:15 – 10:00 Alberto Bonchino, Die “Erfindung der Mystik” in der Frühromantik: Porträt einer naturphilosophischen Konstellation
10:00 – 10:45 Friedemann Stengel, Zwischen Physikotheologie und Vitalismus: Die Theosophische Aufklärung
10:45 – 11:15 Coffee Break
Chair: Gabriella Baptist
11:15 – 12:00 Vicki Müller-Lüneschloß, Die Leichtigkeit der Nacht: Zum Verhältnis von Schlaf und Traum in der Naturphilosophie des frühen 19 Jh.
12:00 – 12:45 Ludovica Neri, Nature’s “Time of Sleep”: Toward a “Psychoanalysis of Nature” from Schelling to Merleau-Ponty
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch Break
Chair: Andrea Lamberti
15:00 – 15:45 Roberto Bondì, The Magico-Hermetic Legacy in Modern Ecological Thought
15:45 – 16:00 Laura Follesa, The Awakening of Humankind: Human Nature and the Origins of Philosophy in Schelling
Venerdì 8/Friday 8 May – Sala Settecentesca
Chair: Laura Candiotto
9:30 – 10:15 Olli Pitkänen Esotericism and Rationality in Schelling and Hegel
10:15 – 11:00 Matthew Nini Dreams are Afoot: On Romanticism and Sleepwalking
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:45 Visita guidata alla Sala Settecentesca/ Guided tour of the historic library hall (in Italian language)
12:45 – 13:00 Chiusura dei lavori/ Closing Remarks and Thank you
It is possible to attend the conference online via Teams:
Microsoft Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/340960381585385?p=RxN60ywXW4f78CcNPE
ID: 340 960 381 585 385
Passcode: Wr3Yo7Sm
Organisers
Laura Follesa (University of Cagliari) – Info: laura.follesa@unica.it
Sean McGrath (Memorial University of Newfoundland)
Visiting Professor Programm 2025/2026
(LR 7/2007 Regione Autonoma della Sardegna)
Description
The Conference is a part of the SchellingSLEEP project, which investigate the history of sleep theories,
starting from a detailed study of Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling’s work, sources, and reception. The
inquiry into the historical background of Schelling’s thought is essential for understanding the complex
interplay between philosophy, esoteric traditions, literature, and medical theories that underpin
Naturphilosophie, Romantic medicine, and the emergence of modern science of sleep.
The Conference “Nature: Visible and Invisible” aims to explore the intricate connections
between philosophical thought, scientific development, and esoteric-mystical traditions in the modern
period and at the roots of contemporary age. At the heart of the investigation lies the evolving
conception of nature – not only as the organic and inorganic totality of the cosmos but also as the hidden
foundation of human consciousness, imagination, and spiritual life.
We aim to foster a dialogue between historians of philosophy, science, and religion to reconstruct a
multifaceted picture of how knowledge of nature was imagined and pursued in ways that transcend
modern disciplinary boundaries.
Info for participants