Democracy’s Discontent.
Questions for the Political Philosophy of Our Times
From May 26th to the 31st, 2025
Venice International University – Island of San Servolo, Venice, Italy
As liberal democracies decline, political life is marked by discontent, protest, and alienation from the elite, with the working and middle classes fearing economic marginalization. Traditional channels for resolving grievances, like unions and political parties, are less effective, leading to radical polarization, political rejection, and the rise of extremist views. Efforts to address crises in wages, housing, and security have faltered, deepening inequalities and eroding social mobility. Political philosophy now faces the challenge of understanding why democracies are in decline and what new frameworks can address the evolving conflict between the many and the few.
Structure: The Summer School is structured in lectures and workshops. The lectures will take place each morning, from Monday to Wednesday and will be followed each afternoon by workshops. Each student will be assigned to one workshop group.
In the workshops, students will discuss and elaborate issues related to the conference and seminar topics and help in the preparation of a group presentation delivered by all students on the last day of the conference.
Evaluation: Presentation during the Reset DOC Summer School and attendance (40%); final paper to be submitted three weeks after the end of the seminars (60%).
Application requirements: the Summer School is open to students or young scholars in the field of humanities, social and political science, or law from any background. A good working knowledge of English is required.
To apply, please e-mail the following to alessandra.tommasi@resetdoc.org by March 28, 2025, EOD.
- A short cover letter explaining your interest in the seminars (max 300 words).
- Your curriculum vitae.
- A personal ID (Passport or National Identity Document).
- References are welcome but not required.
- Kindly state whether you will need to apply for visa.
NB: In order to receive the certificate of attendance of the Summer School, attendance to all lectures, workshops, and Conference is mandatory.
Grants for the Summer School: Students are expected to cover their own costs. In lieu of grants, rooms have been booked on the Island of San Servolo for participating students.
The accomodation will be available for the entire week (check-in on Sunday the 26th of May and check-out on Saturday the 31st of May), on a first-come, first-served basis. Once beds are full, small grants will be disbursed on a case-by-case basis – depending on student CVs, cover letters, and travel distance to Dublin.
Apply early to secure your spot! Kindly note that the rooms booked are 7 3-bed rooms with ensuite facilities. Rooms will be divided between male and female students.
There is no cost to attend the Venice Seminars.