The Philosophy and Theory of Higher Education Society’s (PaTHES) Annual Conference 2025

A three day conference organised by the Cultures, Academic Values in Education (CAVE) Research Centre of the School of Education in conjunction with UCD.

Please register here. 

The contemporary university is saturated in a creativity discourse. Notions of ‘creative teaching’, ‘creative learning spaces’, and ‘the creative graduate’ abound. Creative dispositions and talents are lauded as key resources in addressing the wicked problems of our time and they are seen also as the last preserve of a human rather than an artificial intelligence. Thus, in an era of climate catastrophe and escalating conflict, creative ‘problem-solving’ is glorified as the best available response. This year’s PaTHES conference asks: Is there a way to sidestep ‘creativity’ as Higher Education agenda or discourse, and to reclaim its conceptual richness as a life-giving and individual (if unpredictable) force? Is there a way to foreground a more philosophical account that roots the concept not in ‘innovation’ or ‘problem-solving’ but in quieter and less ambitious modes – in daily processes and actions that bring meaning and richness to our lives in the academy? This year's PaTHES conference is being organised by the Cultures, Academic Values in Education (CAVE) research centre of the School of Education, in conjunction with UCD. There are concessionary rates for doctoral researchers.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: andrew.gibson@tcd.ie