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Call for Papers Theme: Transforming Encounters and Critical Reflection Subtitle: African Thought, Critical Theory, and Liberation Theology in Dialogue Type: International Conference Institution: School for Philosophy, North West University (NWU) Location: Potchefstroom (South Africa) Date: 17.–18.8.2017 Deadline: 28.7.2017 __________________________________________________ Aims of the event The mission statement for the research group, Transforming Encounters, is to explore the philosophical critiques raised by how one becomes an authentic or 'true' self. It does so through a South African perspective of the global world in which this country's people participate. In this vein, we seek to provide a network for researchers within South Africa, and Southern Africa in general, to contribute to these ongoing discussions. The goal of this research group is not mere critique of (post)modernity or of Western thought writ large. Rather, its aim is to explore how the flattening and expanding (but also fragmenting) global context transforms the life-world of South Africans and how their voices and concerns might transform the ongoing discussions about this world (or worlds). The event, entitled "Transforming Encounters and Critical Reflection: African Thought, Critical Theory, and Liberation Theology in Dialogue" will be a two day conference that aims to provide a platform for scholars to network, share, and collaborate on their existing research projects. An event focusing upon transforming encounters not only fits the research group's goals but is also intended to develop and support emerging students from under represented areas. A key theme that has arisen from the research group's activities is that the ongoing transformation of South African society involves an intersection of (1) decolonial and postmodern critique, (2) the impact of the global, capitalist economy on South Africans, and (3) the appropriation of ideas and concepts within Western modernity and its subsequent metaphysical tradition in order to open a space for heretofore silenced voices to speak. Our motivation is to further this discovery by bringing to our campus international experts on these issues, along with several other South African scholars, who will deepen our understanding of this intersectionality while also providing valuable and necessary insights to our students and researchers. Confirmed keynote speakers - Prof. Colby Dickinson from the Loyola University of Chicago (USA) - a leading international scholar on the intersection between critical theory and liberation theology. - Prof. Abraham Olivier from the University of Fort Hare. He is a NRF-rated scholar, expert in the intersection of African and Western thought. - Dr. Uchenna Okeja is a senior lecturer at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. He did his PhD in Frankfurt and is an expert in the tradition of critical thinking and African Philosophy. - Prof. Pieter Duvenage from the University of the Free State. He is a NRF-rated researcher, expert in critical theory, social-political philosophy and history of SA philosophy. Invitation to participate We invite papers on the following topics: African Thought, Critical Theory, and Liberation Theology. Please submit an abstract of 200-300 word before 28 July 2017 to Prof. Anné Verhoef at: anne.verh...@nwu.ac.za There are limited slots to participate in the conference and acceptance of the selected papers will be given by 31 July. Please contact Danelle Fourie for questions about lodging and other practical matters: danelle.fou...@nwu.ac.za There is a conference fee of R100. Organized by the research group, Transforming Encounters: Exploring/Understanding the Postmodern Self in a South African and Global Context, at the School for Philosophy of North West University. Organizers: Prof. Anné Verhoef, Dr. Justin Sands, Drs. Danelle Fourie Contact: Prof Anné Verhoef Internal Box 208 Potchefstroom Campus North-West University Private Bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa Email: anne.verh...@nwu.ac.za __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: https://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/interphil@list.polylog.org/ __________________________________________________
