2026 CSPT Trip to the Notre Dame Center for Ethics & Culture Fall Conference

Join the Catholic Social & Political Thought program for our 5th annual interdisciplinary exploration of the Catholic intellectual tradition at the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture’s annual fall conference, attended by more than 1,000 students and scholars from across the globe.

This year’s conference will feature presentations on wisdom that draw on traditions across the disciplines—including philosophy, theology, ethics, law, history, and the natural and social sciences, as well as the creative domains of literature, music, film, theater, and the visual arts—and engage a wide range of questions and themes, including:

Phronesis, Prudence, and Judgment

Contemplative Wisdom

Understanding in a Technological Age

Art, Beauty, and Aesthetics

Wisdom in/as the Word of God

Education, Formation, and Communities of Practice

Wisdom in Nature and the Cosmos

Practical Wisdom in Governance, Citizenship, Law, and Polis/Polity

Each year, the CSLD invites a group of UW-Madison students and scholars from a variety of backgrounds to explore the Catholic intellectual tradition in this unique and immersive context, which allows our participants to form a reflective community of our own within the context of the larger conference. In addition to attending keynote lectures and breakout sessions, our students have had the opportunity to meet with Notre Dame professors and student fellows from the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government, and to tour various graduate and professional programs on the Notre Dame campus.

The Center covers student registration, lodging, transportation, and most meals during the conference. Space is limited and applications are due 9/11, though some offers may be extended before the final application due date. Please confirm your ability to attend the entire trip BEFORE applying.

Direct any questions to Professor Cecelia Klingele at cklingele@wisc.edu.