Description
Money has long occupied a central place in the ontology of economic reality. Various ontological accounts of money have been proposed, including commodity theories, debt (or claim) theories, and, more recently, hybrid approaches integrating elements of both. By contrast, other economic entities and relations surrounding money — such as goods, services, exchanges, and ownership — may have received comparatively less ontological attention.
This situation raises a number of important questions. Has the extensive focus on money overshadowed other equally significant aspects of economic and financial reality? What role should money play within a broader ontology of the economic domain? How do monetary entities relate to goods, services, exchanges, transactions, obligations, ownership, value, institutions, and social practices such as accounting and financial reporting?
This workshop brings together leading researchers from philosophy and applied ontology to examine the ontological status of money and to reflect on the place of money within a more comprehensive ontology of economic reality. Through invited talks and a general discussion, the workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the foundations of economic and financial ontology.
Invited Speakers (in alphabetic order)
- Olivier Massin (University of Neuchâtel)
- Gloria Sansò (SUNY Niagara)
- J. P. Smit (University of Stellenbosch)
- Hans Weigand (Tilburg University)
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 (CEST)
Location (click for directions): Room R.O.14, The Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Directions: Upon entering the faculty building through the main entrance, turn right immediately after the corner with the vending machines (for drinks) and proceed straight ahead. Room A.O.14 will be on your left, opposite the printing machines
Participation & Registration: Participation in the workshop is free of charge. However, participants wishing to attend the lunch or dinner with the invited speakers are required to register. Registration details will be announced in September.
How to Stay Informed About This Workshop
Schedule (click for presentation details)
09:00-09:30: Reception
09:30-09:40: Opening
09:40-10:30: Olivier Massin
Abstract: TBA
Short bio: TBA
(10:30–11:00: Short Break)
11:00–11:50: J. P. Smit
Abstract: TBA
Short bio: TBA
(11:50–14:00: Lunch Break)
14:00–14:50: Gloria Sansò
Abstract: TBA
Short bio: TBA
(14:50–15:20: Short Break)
15:20–16:10: Hans Weigand
Abstract: TBA
Short bio: TBA
(16:10–16:40: Short Break)
16:40–17:30: General Discussion
17:30: Closing
(19:30– : Dinner)
Venue & Travel Information (click for details)
Location & Address
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Neuchâtel is located at Espace Tilo-Frey 1, 2000 Neuchâtel
- For the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE): https://www.unine.ch/
- For the city Neuchâtel: https://www.neuchatelville.ch/
- For Neuchâtel Tourism: https://www.j3l.ch/fr/Z10488/neuchatel-tourisme
Travel (how to reach Neuchâtel directly)
- 1.5 hours from Geneva Airport to Neuchâtel (by train)
- 2 hours from Zurich Airport to Neuchâtel (by train)
- 4 hours from Paris to Neuchâtel (by TGV)
Accommodation
There are several hotels (including affordable ones) within walking distance of the workshop venue. For example:
- Hôtel des Arts (https://hoteldesarts.ch/) — A 10-minute walk from the venue.
- Hôtel Alpes et Lac (https://alpesetlac.ch/) — A 15-minute walk from the venue, a one-minute walk from the station.
FAQ Section (click for answers)
Can I participate in this workshop virtually?
No. This workshop is primarily an on-site event.
How much is the registration?
Participation in the workshop is free of charge. However, registration is required for participants wishing to join the lunch or dinner with the invited speakers. See Participation & Registration above for details.
Is there a Call for Proposals (CFP) for this workshop?
No. This workshop does not include a Call for Proposals (CFP). The program consists of invited speakers only. Audience members are welcome to participate in the general discussion session.
Organizing Committee
Fumiaki Toyoshima and Olivier Massin (University of Neuchâtel)
Sponsors & Partners
- The Swiss Center for Ontological Research (SCOR): https://swissonto.ch/
- Institut de philosophie, Université de Neuchâtel: https://www.unine.ch/philo/
- The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): https://www.snf.ch/en; in connection with the SNSF-funded project “An Ontology of Production, Products, and By-Products” (grant number #212493).
Contact
For any inquiries, kindly reference “SCOR Workshop: Ontology of Money and Beyond” in your message when submitting the SCOR contact form.