This Fifth World Congress on Analogy is very special, as we have the luxury of holding a five-day event for the first time. We approach each edition of the analogy event with a fresh perspective, while of course keeping all that is good from previous editions. During the Fourth World Congress on Analogy in 2025, one of the main topics was the slow and analogue life, and in response, this year we decided to add days to make the most of all the keynote talks, symposia, and presentations, as well as our artistic events. It goes without saying that we will also have more time to enjoy our spectacular venue. 

 

As always, the logo – this time a peony – is closely connected to one of the main themes of the congress, namely abundance. The name of this full, gorgeously fragrant flower derives from the Greek word paionia and refers to a plant historically used in medicine, often associated with Paeon (also known as Paean). He was a student of Asclepius (the physician of the gods), who was jealous of his more talented disciple and was turned into a peony by Zeus in order to protect him from the envy and violent revenge of his master.

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In many cultures, the peony (also called peonia) symbolizes beauty, grace, love, and good fortune. In some contexts, it also represents honor, courage, and strength. In China, for instance, the peony is considered “the king of flowers”.

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The abundance represented by the peony is related to analogy, since the flower is full of nuances, layers, and depth, and it has relaxed, luxurious, and comfortable vibes. Sometimes the flowers look like spectacular clouds.

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Nuance is, of course, one of the basic analogical notions that helps us overcome dangerous dichotomies and polarization. However – and this is perhaps even more important – abundance as an analogical notion is opposed to false scarcity and austerity. (Of course, we see the important distinction between abundance, on the one hand, and excess, overindulgence or waste, on the other.) This understanding of analogy as connected to abundance is especially liberating because it frees us from the artificial limit-situation and the sense of doom, of “there is no other way”. Therefore, of course, abundance is tied to hope, as it calls for the free examination of many as yet untested possibilities.

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In Don Quixote, Cervantes famously asked Can we ever have too much of a good thing? That is why our symposia will reflect on analogies in the context of the abundance of life forms (in nature), of joy and beauty (arts), of logical tools, of styles, of interpretations, of perspectives, of stories…  and so much more.

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Bocheński said that philosophy has only two enemies: destitution and the secret police. Now, it is clear how abundance serves philosophy and all critical reflection, as well as the desperately needed process of healing. Let us celebrate by indulging in analogies!