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The senses work together in multifaceted and even dissonant ways. However, recognition of this multiplicity has been stymied by the focus on the “prereflective unity” of the senses within the phenomenology of perception, and the emphasis on harmonious integration within cognitive neuroscience. The collision of the senses is inherent to Marshall McLuhan’s notion of the “collideroscope” of the sensorium. With this conference, we seek to explore the potentialities of the latter concept.
In the same spirit, the conference will welcome contributions relying on differing disciplinary perspectives. These perspectives may complement one another (multidisciplinary research) or they may coalesce (interdisciplinary research). “Cross-disciplinary research” is the expression we prefer — “crossing” in the sense of blending, but also of confronting.
The overarching aim of the conference is to highlight the relevance of the emergent understanding of the collision of the senses to thinking about some burning issues of our times: the ecological crisis, the commodification of the senses under capitalism, and “the new aesthetics” as framed by the late Gernot Böhme.
When? From May 3rd to May 6th
Where? Concordia University – in-person and on-line
Featuring over 150 papers grouped in 50 sessions and 12 panels, 6 roundtables, 9 workshops and a multisensory and virtual art gallery, as well as a reception on the Friday evening entitled “A Feast for the Senses.” The four keynotes are free and open to the public. For all other sessions, participants are required to register.
Constance Classen
Hsuan Hsu
Kathleen Sitter
Charles Spence
