This workshop takes stock of a Critical Theory of the Computational. It engages critical theories (both in the tradition of the Frankfurt School and beyond) in order to examine how computational/digital constellations are shaping (upheaving, consolidating, etc.) foundational dynamics in society, and how said computational constellations are themselves embedded in ongoing planetary transformations (such as global heating). In interrogating possible preconceptions and assumptions entrenched in critical theories—such as human exceptionalism, and universalist aspirations—, we ask how these might be rethought in light of computational and planetary transformations.

The workshop will explore how computational constellations not only introduce new actors—such as AI systems and human–machine hybrids—but also shape existing understandings of agency and its properties like autonomy and emancipation. For example, the computational may give new opportunities for critical discourse, but it may equally give rise to numerous phenomena in politics and other parts of society that give cause for concern (such as power concentration, erosion of public discourse in liberal democracy, and enormous energy consumption).

By revisiting key concepts of critical theories—such as autonomy, emancipation, and social transformation—, the workshop will explore whether they require rearticulation or replacement to address the complex interplay of human, non-human, and planetary orders. Through cross-disciplinary dialogue, we invite participants to confront the assumptions that underpin both critical theories and contemporary discourses on computation. Together, we aim to develop a critical framework capable of addressing the multilayered and entangled realities of a computationally mediated world facing transformations of planetary scale.

The following three central questions will be discussed in the workshop:

• Why Critique—and How? How do we justify a critical stance on the computational amidst planetary stress—should our critique aim for constructive engagement, or does its force lie in unsettling entrenched norms? Which biases frame our standpoint, and how might a reflexive critique, attuned to social and planetary concerns alike, help shape more just futures?
• The Grand Challenges of Computational and Planetary Transformation: How does the computational reshape and challenge our understanding of the relationship of the human, non-human, inhumane, and no-longer human, and what ethical and political implications arise from these shifts?
• Future of Liberal Democracy: As computational networks and infrastructures become ever more embedded in polycrisis and planetary-scale change, how might liberal democracy be reimagined or reconfigured to remain legitimate, inclusive, and capable of addressing the complexities of a computationally mediated world?

The conference is organized in cooperation of the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C³S) in Frankfurt, the Center for Responsible AI Technologies (founded by the University Augsburg, Munich School of Philosophy and the Technical University Munich), and Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin joining our expertise on interdisciplinary research on the impact of digitalisation and new technologies on individuals and society.

Program

16 October 2025

14:00 Arrival and Set up

14:15 – 14:30 Welcome

14:30 – 15:00 Conceptual Framework for Critical Theory of the Computational

15:00 – 16:00 Panel 1

16:00 – 16:15 Coffee Break

16:15 – 17:15 Panel 2  

17:15 – 17:30 Coffee Break

17:30 – 18: 30 Keynote speech by Prof Kate Crawford (online) and discussion

18:30 – 20:00 Networking with catering

17 October 2025

9:30 – 10: 00 Arrival and Set up

10:00 – 11:00 Panel 3

11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:30 Panel 4

12:30 – 13:00 Final remarks

13:00 – 14:00 Networking with refreshments

Call for Papers

The workshop is open to all career levels. Deadline for submissions is 30 April 2025. We expect a short abstract (500 words) that formulates theses on the questions raised in the call. If accepted, an extended abstract (1.500 words) is expected. More infos here.