Cfp: "The Transfiguration of the Present: Reflections on Historical Distance," Centre for Metahistory, University of Groningen, January 28-29, 2010.

The distinction between past and present is a neglected problem in the theory of history. How does the present present transform into a past present? Is contemporary history a contradictio in terminis? Why can’t we make our Zeitgeist visible? What kind of historical estrangement is needed for achieving ‘distance’? What does ‘historical distance’ mean in the first place? The relevance of the work of Frank Ankersmit to the answering of these questions will be discussed during an international conference at Groningen (Netherlands) by a variety of well-known speakers, including Mark Bevir, Hans Kellner, Jörn Rüsen, Aviezer Tucker, and John H. Zammito. Please register before December 15, 2009 by e-mail to m.r.b.wubbolts@rug.nl. Further information can be found on: http://www.rug.nl/let/onderzoek/onderzoekinstituten/icog/tekstenActiviteitenKalender/2010_01_28-29_Transfiguration?lang=en.