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Call for Papers "Worldviews and the Future of Human Civilization" International Conference Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) 26-27 November 2008 __________________________________________________ Rationale Given the nature of civilization and its multifarious aspects, the fact that has always been present in the history of its development is that there is no civilization without a worldview. Whether one projects civilization as a process or state of advancement, or sense of creativity and dynamism, or considerable intellectual, social, spiritual and cultural achievements, the fact remains that in all these theorizations, one needs a worldview to guide civilization and direct its activities. Examining the various models of civilization that have been initiated by man confirms the understanding that each and every new human civilizational experience appears to be a manifestation of a worldview that guides its steps in the realm of civilization. Hence, one may consider worldview as one of the basic foundations of any given human civilization in history. It follows, therefore, that there is always a need to examine in each and every civilization the worldview that breathes in it the original thrust and aspiration which would give it all its distinctive features and characteristics thereafter. It is paradoxical that some threats for humanity come from humans themselves. Nuclear arsenals, wars caused by conflict of interests, economic recessions, environmental catastrophes and the declining standards of values and morality loom large over the entire human civilization, and threaten the very survival of humankind on earth. that occur from time to time, threatening the very survival of humankind on earth. Amidst these issues and others, which emanate directly or indirectly from worldviews, what is the future of human civilization? The deliberations in the proposed two-day international conference will be directed towards generating a serious and intellectual discourse on the role of different worldviews and their impact on the future of human civilization. Objectives 1. To explore the theoretical and methodological framework for studying the relationship between worldview and civilization. 2. To share views and perceptions of the different worldviews and their impact on the future of human civilization. 3. To identify and deliberate the role of worldviews in solving human problems and shaping the future of human civilization. 4. To reflect on the importance and role of the Islamic worldview in the future of human civilization. Focal Areas 1. Future of human civilization: Trends and paradigms 2. Role of worldviews in the future of identities, cultures and traditions 3. Role of the Islamic worldview in shaping the future of human civilization 4. Worldviews and socio-political and economic problems 5. Worldviews and ecological problems 6. Worldviews and civilizational and cultural dialogue 7. Worldviews: Peace, justice, equality and co-existence Submissions All interested scholars, academics as well as practitioners from various related backgrounds are hereby welcomed to contribute their papers to be presented during the conference. Papers can be submitted in Arabic or English. Interested presenters must submit their abstract of not more than 300 words comprising of the objective, scope, methodological approach and important issues to be discussed. The abstract should include title of the paper, its objective(s) and scope, the main issues to be discussed and its methodological approach. It should not exceed 300 words summary. The following information should also be provided: authors name, position, affiliation, and contacts (via phone/fax/e-mail). Important Dates Deadline for Abtract Submission: May 30, 2008 Announcement of Acceptance of Abtract: June 15, 2008 Deadline for full paper submission: September 25, 2008 Announcement of Acceptance of papers October 10, 2008 Deadline for Early registration: October 25, 2008 Contact: Conference on Worldviews and the Future of Human Civilization, Department of General Studies, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Jalan Gombak 53100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: +60-3-61965576 Fax: +60-3-61965504 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Web: http://www.iiu.edu.my/irkhs/worldviews/ __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org
