We are announcing: 15th Symposium on Media Philosophy at ZSB, starting on October 22nd 2025 at 10 am, room P3
The symposium is organized by: Center for Media Philosophy, Croatian Philosophical Society, University of North, Zagreb School of Business, Institute for Media of Southeast Europe
Dates: October 22-24th 2025, Zagreb School of Business, Ulica Grada Vukovara 68, 10000 Zagreb
See the full symposium program HERE.
WEDNESDAY, 22. 10.
Philosophy of Media as Philosophy of Liberation
Critical reflection on media is a philosophical reflection on the system of mediation (which is at the foundation of the existence of the world we are in). The age-old aspiration of philosophy to expand the spaces of human freedom today largely depends on the freedom of the system of mediation. Namely, there is no liberation without a self-conscious relationship to the media system. Liberation, not freedom, is the goal of a philosophy aware that freedom is not a state one arrives at, not a utopian place or a utopian political idea.
The Fifteenth Symposium on the Philosophy of Media and Related Disciplines is dedicated to reflections on every, even the smallest, attempt to liberate contemporary man in all areas of his activity. In this context, we see art theories, communication studies, theology, sociology, political science, anthropology, ethnology, as well as other sciences and scientific disciplines as areas of interaction.
The proposed topics are only suggestions and frameworks within which the symposium organizers believe it is important to write and discuss:
Communication – ideas and contributions / Reflection of (individual) artistic concepts as projects of liberation / Emancipatory character of critical, ethical and/or creative act / Liberation through education / Human freedom and religious communities
Theology of thought and practice of the liberating act / Political dimensions of contemporary (un)freedoms / Ethnocent, race, religion, nation and people in contemporary media concepts
THURSDAY, 23. 10.
Marketing, communication and journalism – purpose and goals
The meaning of the public, mutual communication and the art of journalism without manipulation are topics today, perhaps more relevant than ever. Mass media, social networks and communication between people, but also institutions, authorities and the public, between people and nations, actually carry some key solutions to some of the burning problems. Trade relations and marketing activities are increasingly intertwined in the global world, with the need for reconsideration, deeper reflection and a broader perspective in the upcoming changes in the foundations and ways of life and business.
Ethical issues, from business customs and behavior to marketing campaigns and modern journalism, seem to be increasingly neglected, although there is a growing understanding that ethics will be a necessary instrument for maintaining humanity, tolerance and justice in communication, but also in all areas of activity of local, regional and global communities. What else can happen when the unstoppable and partly unpredictable influence of artificial intelligence shows all its potential?
The courses and studies of the Zagreb University of Business have their own educational and communication-marketing function in all this, and it is necessary that its professors and students, together with other experts and scientists, contribute to the general thematic ideas of the Symposium with their presentations and works.
Public relations and strategic communication / Mass media audience / Marketing purpose and goals / Ethics and marketing / Metrics and marketing campaigns / Crisis communication / Artificial intelligence and marketing / Artificial intelligence and journalism / Attention economy / Trust in the media and fact-checking / User preferences / Local journalism / Media financing / Media and human rights, freedom of expression
FRIDAY, 24. 10.
Philosophy, media and war
Current events in the Middle East have brought into focus the questioning of the possibilities, meaning and role of philosophical approaches in understanding terrorism, aggression, wars, political and national freedoms, the influence of religious teachings on political attitudes, and especially the role of global media and social networks in shaping political and cultural publics.
The role of mass, digital, mobile media and new possibilities of media, seduction and awareness created by artificial intelligence is inevitable. To this extent, both the Middle East and Ukraine are today the scene of not only questioning new weapons but also new media, media approaches, and media theories.
Palestine/Israel and the media war / The role of social networks and/or artificial intelligence in contemporary aggressions/wars / The media struggle for a better past / Double standards in media approaches to Ukraine and Palestine / Wars and migrations / Theologies and ideologies / Communication and stereotypes
Link to original article: 15th Symposium on Media Philosophy – Center for Media Philosophy
