Call for Papers Libertinism and Spirituality: Between Desire and Rebellion
Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice 16-18 December 2025
Deadline 30 June 2025.
The term libertinism commonly refers to licentiousness, particularly of a sensual nature. In reality, however, libertinism has a long philosophical history rooted in antiquity, where freedom is paramount and sexuality and sensuality are secondary. In this sense, libertinism indicates currents that theorize and practice freedom of thought in matters related to religion, social norms, and political authority. It has therefore often been associated with radicalism, skepticism, and atheism. Various forms of libertinism have historically clashed with religious dogmatism and more moderate strands of philosophical thought. Frequently persecuted, libertinism was often forced to disseminate its ideas through secret and clandestine channels. In these contexts, it is not uncommon to find intersections with alternative and esoteric forms of spirituality, an area that has yet to receive systematic scholarly attention.
The conference will welcome contributions addressing the many facets of this long-standing and often still unexplored relationship.
Marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Casanova, special attention will be given to the famous Venetian author, whose intellectual and sensual libertinism could be combined with an interest in the esoteric.
