This cross-disciplinary conference aims to explore fiction as a concept and the use of fiction from different epochs, in different cultures and in different forms, both ancient and more recent. It covers a broad field of interests, from ancient literature, art, opera, theater, to modern media, such as film, games/blogs etc. The conference is cross-disciplinary to enable researchers from sometimes widely different academic areas or fields of interest, that would otherwise probably not have the opportunity to meet and exchange views, to share in comparisons and discussions about topics such as:
- the nature of fiction
- fiction and its relationship to “truth”
- the demand for, and the function and uses of fiction
- the development of fiction from ancient to modern times
- different forms of fiction
- fiction in social contexts or in a gender perspective
- the view of and function of fiction in different cultures, and other related topics.
The personally invited speakers may present papers addressing any relevant issues within these broad frames. It is expected that the papers and the following discussions will create fruitful insights into the nature of fiction that span over different times, forms and cultures. The conference language is English. All papers and presentations at the conference should be in English. Each presentation is expected to last no more than 20 minutes (followed by ten minutes of discussion). Papers by the invited speakers will be published by Stockholm University and Uppsala University in an edited volume.