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Call for Papers "The Wrongfulness of Terrorist Actions: An Interfaith Perspective" International Conference Saint Paul University Ottawa, ON (Canada) 30 April - 1 May 2010 __________________________________________________ Although not pleasant for the followers of religious traditions, terrorism today is marked by a religious label. Extending beyond its older style of 1970s, terrorism has turned into a global setting in spatial terms, and into various forms, either private or state-sponsored in terms of usage. In whatever facet it appears, terrorism tears down and destroys true way of religious life, disseminates the culture of hate among people, hence weakens the civil life and causes “disorderedness” and conflict. Terrorism, therefore, blocks the ways of dialogue and compromise over the peaceful coexistence among people, and instead might be referred to for certain dirty policies both in national or international levels. By killing innocent people, terrorism involves creation of an environment of fear. It is certainly a false self-serving conviction (and action) and even worse, it is a lethal virus for the healthy life of mankind. Based on these observations, the questions raised in regards of religious wrongfulness of terrorist actions are countless. However, some of the most critical questions are: What is the relationship of religion and terrorism? What role, either negative or positive, might religious leaders play with respect to terrorist-minded people? Why are some religious people absorbed by terrorist agendas at all? What role should religious leaders and scholars play to replace the false terrorist oriented minds with the culture of love of mankind? Can philosophers, moralists, scholars of humanities, and social sciences assists religious leaders in eradication of terrorism? Is there any duty for policy and decision-makers to assist religious leaders in alleviation of the terrorist environment, and if so, how? What role might be played by the organization of civil society in the eradication of terrorist-oriented minds? As the third in a series of events on ‘ethics and international relations’, this conference will focus on the wrongfulness of terrorist actions from an interfaith perspective. Scholars, professors, religious leaders, ethicists, political scientist, defense, security, and intelligence analysts, human rights activists, journalists, students, and all other interested thinkers are invited to participate. Pending on financial approval the proceedings of the conference will be published under the title: The Wrongfulness of Terrorist Actions: An Interfaith Perspective. Otherwise the accepted papers will be published on the conference website as conference proceedings. Conference Themes (Tentatively suggested); The conference topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following parts: Part One: Theoretical Frameworks Part Two: Religion and Terrorism, General Observations Part Three: Wrongfulness of Terrorist Actions in Faith Traditions Part Four: Interfaith Collaboration versus the Terrorist Temptations and Persuasions Part Five: Religion and the Replacing of Insecurity with a Secure Life Part Six: Policy Implications and Recommendations Part Seven: The Role of Civil Society in the Eradication of Terrorist-Minds and Actions To contribute please send an abstract, maximum length of 250 words and a short biography (approximately 150 words), no later than December 31st, 2009 to the organizer of the conference. The Editorial Committee reviews the proposals and will respond to submitters by the end of January 2010. Contact: Mahmoud Masaeli Saint Paul University 223 Main Street Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4 Canada Phone: +1 236-1393 ext. 3439 Email: [email protected] __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org
