XXVI International Congress of Philosophy

EMOTIONS AND FLOURISHING.
From Magda Arnold's Proposal to Contemporary Psychological and Philosophical Perspective

Rome, February 25-27, 2026

Conference Overview

The XXVI  Emotions and Flourishing International Conference will provide a dedicated platform for the comprehensive examination of Magda Arnold’s contributions and its contemporary intersections with the study of emotions and their significance in human flourishing.

Magda Blondiau Arnold (Moravia 1903-USA 2002) left an indelible mark through her pioneering contributions to the study of emotions. Her research, encompassing appraisal theory, emotional processes, personality, memory and neuro-physiological investigations, is a testament to her scholarship. Her intellectual framework is deeply anchored in the cognitive and tendential dimensions of emotions, fostering an appreciation for the relationships between human cognition and affect within a comprehensive understanding of the human person.

The conference invites a cross-disciplinary exploration, aligning the trajectories of psychology and philosophy. Arnold’s broader thought fits into the tradition of authors, from the classical thought of Aristotle and Aquinas to phenomenologists like Scheler and psychologists like Allport and Frankl. The significance of this exploration lies not only in the re-examination of Arnold’s seminal contributions but also in the broader objective of synthesising contemporary developments within these disciplines. Our ambition is that this gathering will serve as a crucible for knowledge convergence and paradigm shifts, resonating with Arnold’s vision of holistic, integrated scholarship.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers

Michael Brady,                 Barbara Fredrickson, 
Randolph Cornelius,        Roberta De Monticelli, 
Blaine Fowers,                 Kristján Kristjánsson, 
Antonio Malo

Key Conference Themes

In keeping with the legacy of Magda Arnold, the conference will address a spectrum of pivotal themes. These themes encompass, but are not limited to:

• Contemporary Conceptions of Emotions: The evolving notions of emotions as expounded in both contemporary philosophy and psychology.
• Positive Emotions Discourse: A critical analysis of positive emotions within the framework conceptualised initially by Magda Arnold, examining their relevance and implications in modern research.
• Dialogue with Modern Appraisal Theory: An exploration of the synergies and divergences between contemporary appraisal theory and the foundations laid by Arnold within the realm of psychology of emotions.
• Virtues and Emotions: what is the relation between them? Can emotions become virtues?
• Character, Personality, and Emotions: the role of emotions in shaping personal identity.
• Reason and Emotions: How the classical notions of practical reason relate to contemporary theories of emotion.
• Contribution of Emotions to Human Flourishing: Delving into the multifaceted role emotions play in fostering human flourishing, which extends to life evaluation, satisfaction, and the broader spectrum of eudaimonic well-being.

Interdisciplinary Dialogue

The event aims at fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue, bridging the divides between psychology and philosophy. We invite authors to engage in comprehensive discourse, addressing critical questions that underscore the crossroads of these disciplines:

• To what extent do philosophers and psychologists share a common understanding of pivotal concepts such as desire, value, good, meaning, and meaningful life?
• How can a harmonious discourse be achieved, bridging the lexicon of psychological attitudes with the philosophical constructs of virtues, happiness, and well-being?
• Does a convergence exist when delving into topics related to human perfection, selfrealisation, and Arnold’s seminal thesis on the self-ideal?
• What opportunities and insights can be gleaned through cross-disciplinary engagement between scholars in psychology and philosophy?

Scientific Committee

Aurora Bernal, Giuseppe Curcio, Antonella Delle Fave, Martín Echavarría, Caterina Fiorilli, Francisco Insa, Eranda Jawarickreme, Antonio Malo, Consuelo Martínez, Juan Andrés Mercado, Claudia Navarini, Elissa Rodkey, Juan José Sanguineti, Nancy Snow, Maria Silvia Vaccarezza, Pía Valenzuela, Wenceslao Vial