GCAS Florence Seminars and Commencement
May 8–16, 2027
Nine Days of Philosophy, Psychoanalysis, Art, and Collective Reflection
In May 2027, GCAS returns to Florence for seminars, commencement, conversations, lectures, and collective study led by some of the most compelling thinkers working today. Set against the backdrop of Florence’s Renaissance streets and intimate intellectual spaces, this event brings together scholars, artists, researchers, and members of the public who wish to think deeply about our shared present—and the futures still possible.
The 2027 program features seminars from Simon Critchley on mysticism, Bruce Fink on psychoanalytic theory and practice, Catherine Keller on ecological thought, and Helen Rollins on anger, guilt, and capitalist repression. Full seminar descriptions and the day-by-day schedule will be announced in the coming months.
View Photos from Our Recent Florence Event →
Who Should Attend
These seminars are open to GCAS students, scholars across disciplines, artists, writers, activists, and select members of the public who want to take part in a rare gathering of intellectual life in one of Europe’s most historic cities. No previous academic affiliation is required—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to think collectively.
Featured Seminars & Faculty
Hover over each card to learn more. Full seminar details are forthcoming.
Simon Critchley
“Mysticism”
Critchley leads a seminar on mysticism—its philosophical stakes, its histories, and its bearing on how we live now. More information forthcoming.
Bruce Fink
“Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice”
Fink offers a seminar on psychoanalytic theory and practice, drawing on his work in the Lacanian clinical tradition. More information forthcoming.
Catherine Keller
“Eco-Thinking: Creation, Earth, Hope”
Keller reads creation not as a finished act but as an ongoing entanglement of earth, matter, and spirit. The seminar asks what forms of hope remain available in a time of ecological unravelling—and what thinking with the earth, rather than about it, might require of us.
Helen Rollins
“Anger and Guilt: Subjective Responses to Capitalist Repression”
This seminar will examine repression in capitalism from a psychoanalytic perspective, according to its transformation since the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It will explore the effects of sacrifice and inequality on the subject, most especially on the superego: an unquenchable guilt that is generated once the subject gives ground on their desire.
Commencement
🎓 Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 16, 2027 · 6:00pm local time
A reception will follow.
Florence Schedule
May 8–16, 2027 · All times Central European Time (CET)
Full Schedule Forthcoming
The complete day-by-day program, including session times, will be published here as details are confirmed. Commencement takes place Sunday, May 16 at 6:00pm local time.
Registration
The Florence GCAS events are for the GCAS community and their guests. Applications for a small number of guest researcher places will open in the autumn.
Program is in development and subject to change.