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Call for Papers Theme: Expanding the Canon Subtitle: Transitions and Transformations in Medieval and Early Modern Philosophy Type: International Workshop Institution: Department of Philosophy, University of Konstanz Location: Gais (Italy) Date: 1.–6.7.2018 Deadline: 20.5.2018 __________________________________________________ There has been much discussion in academia regarding the lack of diversity and inclusiveness at Anglo-American and European institutions of higher education. This problem is particularly dire in the discipline of Philosophy, especially when compared with other disciplines in the Humanities. At the same time, there is some reason to believe that one reason for low retention and hiring rates of underrepresented groups is the presence of certain biases in the discipline – biases that may be shaped, in part, through the way the history of philosophy in Western academia is conceptualized by scholars and taught to students. Indeed, much of what drives many intuitions and assessments about what counts as “philosophical”, which philosophical figures, traditions, and problems are “worth” discussing, and what constitutes the “proper” way of doing philosophy has to do with the kinds of philosophy one encounters and the historical philosophical narrative with which one is typically presented in academic contexts. Unfortunately, the traditional Western narrative both displays and perpetuates strong implicit (and sometimes explicit) biases in terms of gender, ethnicity, ability, geography, and religion, to name just a few. It is a narrative divided into epochs that are themselves often the result of a Western reframing in later periods. The workshop, “Expanding the Canon: Transitions and Transformations in Medieval and Early Modern Philosophy”, to be held at Castle Neuhaus (Gais, Italy) from July 1-6, 2018, aims to discuss ways of expanding and revising the historical philosophical canon and the way it is taught in the university. Scholars from other disciplines will also be called upon to discuss how various forms of interdisciplinary engagement may enrich the historical philosophical enterprise. Not only does the medieval ambience of Castle Neuhaus, one of South Tyrol’s oldest inhabited castles, present the perfect space for discussions in Medieval and Early Modern Philosophy, its unique history and intimate surroundings help create the atmosphere of both a scholarly conclave and a safe academic space. Daytime sessions will involve participant presentations on relevant topics, as well as interdisciplinary approaches, while the evenings will be organized into smaller roundtables and group brainstorming sessions, as well as dramatic readings and other activities. We invite abstracts of 300-500 words for presentations on topics relevant to the workshop theme. Submissions from graduate students and non-tenured scholars are especially welcome, and works-in-progress are encouraged. Possible thematic areas include (but are not limited to): - Research on particular neglected figures/groups/movements/texts - Geographic, cultural, and/or temporal (dis)continuity/fluidity between medieval and early modern ideas - Meta-philosophical treatments of the (dis)value of comparative philosophy - Critical discussions of the traditional epochal divisions in the history of philosophy - Post-colonial critiques of approaches in/to the history of philosophy - Didactic strategies for expanding the philosophical canon in university or school teaching - The role of history of philosophy in creating a more diverse/open/just discipline - Interdisciplinary approaches to the history of philosophy Accepted speakers will be provided with full room and board (including all meals) at Castle Neuhaus for the duration of the workshop, as well as transportation between the airport/train station and Castle Neuhaus. Limited travel stipends may be available. If interested in applying for a travel stipend, please include an additional short letter of motivation demonstrating your special interest in the workshop and your financial need. Participants should be prepared to be in attendance for the entire workshop. Please submit abstracts, contact information (including institutional affiliation, if applicable), and letters of motivation no later than May 20, 2018, to: [email protected] Decisions will be made by May 31. Organizers: Dr. Amber L. Griffioen (University of Konstanz) Dr. Marius Backmann (University of Konstanz) Conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/ambergriffioen/events/expandthecanon __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: https://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ __________________________________________________
