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Conference Announcement "Secularism and Secularisation: Multidisciplinary International Perspectives" Conference and Workshop University of Gothenburg Gothenburg (Sweden) 20-21 October 2008 __________________________________________________ Secularisation - the process of separating the realms of politics and religion - has been influencing national and worldly affairs for several hundred years. The idea of the desirability of such a separation - secularism - is nowadays a given backdrop for public policy issues regarding education, family, gender, media, migration, personal integrity and freedom, reproduction and sexuality. But globalisation and multicultural trends, as well as claims from religious groups for increased political influence or autonomy and the uncertain and varying responses to these from society, have made us aware that the secularist ideal has been realised through the process of secularisation in radically different ways in different settings. As a result, an identity crisis is presently afflicting secular societies. It is no longer as clear what secularism is supposed to amount to, why secularisation is desirable and where its proper limits are. To investigate questions about this is the focus of a newly initiated multidisciplinary research theme at the University of Gothenburg. This conference marks the starting point of this initiative and is planned to be followed by a series of smaller workshops the following years. Some of the international scholars and researchers that have already made special contributions to secularisation and secularism as a field of study have been invited to deliver plenary talks on the first day. On the second day, a more open workshop on what particular topics, sub-themes, approaches, etc. to develop further and what challenges this involves is held. Shorter presentations will be given by selected Scandinavian researchers from various disciplines to spark discussion and dialogue with our invited international guests. Plenary Speakers Abdullahi An-Na'im (Human Rights Law, Emory University) Kent Greenawalt (Law, Columbia University) Brian Palmer (Anthropology & Religion, Uppsala University & University of Gothenburg) Paul Weithman (Philosophy, University of Notre Dame) Linda Woodhead (Religious Studies, Lancaster University) Registration The conference is open to the public and free of charge. Registration is required for attendance. Organising Committee Elisabeth Abiri (Human Rights), Marie Demker (Political Science), Christian Munthe (Philosophy), Cecilia Rosengren (History of Ideas), Ola Sigurdson (Religion), Eva-Maria Svensson (Law). Contact: Conference "Secularism & Secularisation" Department of Philosophy University of Gothenburg Box 200 S-40530 Gothenburg Sweden Phone: +46-(0)31 786 45 70 Fax: +46-(0)31 786 49 45 Email: [email protected] Web: http://maya.phil.gu.se/secularism/ __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org
