The Useful Enlightenment. Theories, Practices and Representations of Usefulness in the Long Eighteenth Century. IZEA, Martin-Luther University, Halle (Saale)
26/06/2025 - 28/06/2025
The very first question asked about a scientific project is often, What’s the use? The notion of utility has become the criterion by which we regularly assess the relevance of scientific research, in terms of its potential applications and economic benefits. The close relationship between knowledge, utility, technological improvement and profit has a long history which crystallised during the Age of Enlightenment. Through an interdisciplinary and global approach, this conference will investigate the emergence, modalities, consequences, and limits of what is known as ‘useful’ knowledge.
A pdf of the programme can be found here.
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