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Call for Papers Theme: Humanity and the Modern Predicament Subtitle: Re-Learning to be Human for Global Times Type: International Conference Institution: Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (RVP) Visva-Bharati University Location: Santinikentan (India) Date: 6.–7.1.2017 Deadline: 30.11.2016 __________________________________________________ Theme The world of this 21st century is basically ultra modern in character and can be considered a turning point in the annals of humankind. Due to the new scientific inventions and globalization it has experienced tremendous changes in the economic, social, cultural and political spheres which have broken down the barricades of the multi-dimensional identity of humankind to emerge as a multi-cultural and monetary exchange. From a broader outlook this appears to be a good sign of progress, but if we look more deeply then it becomes obvious that these are related to our external or material development only and that the inner life of humanity is decreasing day by day. Only in this modern scientific world violence, conflicts, blood-shed and terrorist activities are taking place in the various corners of the world. Due to our tampering upon our natural environment problems are widening gradually spreading broadly. There is a sharp competition among the different nations to accumulate atomic/molecular deadly weapons. This is not only destructive by nature but also signals the extinction of human civilization. In this modern world man has become his own most dangerous being. Industries are more conscious for their monetary profit at the expense of their humanitarian nature. As a result, human values, moral responsibilities, fraternal relations, social justice, equal and just treatment, respect for the dignity of human beings, etc. are gradually weakening. In this modern world we are unable to say that we are in perfect peace. In this modern world humanity is perplexed regarding its own nature and passing through crucial times. We are truly in dismay, not understanding what we shall do? There is no guarantee that we will survive tomorrow, because human existence is facing a tremendous challenge at various social levels. This is the disgrace of our modern world. Scientists are unable to resolve this by themselves and thus, the role of philosophers, metaphysicians and intellectuals have become very important here to save this world. For that, mutual co-operation, inter-faith understanding, cultural exchange, moral obligations and above all a humanitarian approach need to become more effective in order to overcome this situation. They will have to accept this challenge for the sake of global humanity and at the same time we will have to understand the emerging situation of this modern predicament in humanitarian terms. For that we will have to more intensively humanized rather than mere human beings. India is a country which has never worked merely for bread rather than for humanity here holds more priority. Its notions of moral values, all pervading divinity, spiritual appeal and peace to all can help to mitigate/overcome this challenge. Hence, this collaborative conference on Humanity and the Modern Predicament will help to work together through moral, logical and humanitarian approaches in rethinking the human potentialities and the environmental as well as cultural crises of the modern world. Sub-themes for discussion: - Humanity, Multi-Cultural character and the Modern World Order - Creating understanding – through Philosophy, Religion, Ethics and Psychology - Logical and Metaphysical search for dialogue in the view of Indian and Western Philosophy - Philosophical understanding of the present world crisis and the process of Cultural transformation - Cultural, Spiritual and Identity Crises and ways of their resolution - Moral and Humanitarian approaches for dialogue in the Media and Information Technology - Political transformations in the public thinking in the context of globalization and present market economy - Changes in thinking on an individual, group and social level in the present society - The Role of Indian philosophy, Religion and Culture in saving the Humanity - Value alterations in the contemporary society towards tolerance and empathy - Freedom and Responsibility as values of mutual understanding - Varieties of Terrorism, modern religious identity and secularism - Feminism and the Modern Predicament - Building positive society and the transfiguration of subjectivity - Environmental problems and their philosophical solution - Development of democratic institutions and the promotion of civil society - Development of a value based education and present cultural issues (Tagore, Vivekananda, Gandhi, Aurobindo and Iqbal) - Intercultural dialogue in a multicultural society Abstract: We seek proposals and abstracts (of 500-700 words) from interested participants for the conference before November 30th, 2016. Abstracts should be edited and ready to print in the book to be released before the conference. Full Text/Paper (up to 15,000 characters or 2,400 words) will have to submit before participation in the conference. A list of relevant literature, references and notes should be at the end of the article and maintain international standards. The conference Committee reserves the right to select abstracts and texts, whereupon personal invitations to attend the conference will be sent. Please send the abstract and a brief C.V. to Professor Md. Sirajul Islam [siraj_t...@yahoo.co.in], Cell No: ++91-9732071184 and [cua-...@cua.edu.] Selected full papers will be published in English by the RVP, Washington, D.C.; USA. The conference will be held in the form of successive sessions, panels and discussions with speeches of 20 minutes, panel participation - 15 minutes and discussions - up to 5 minutes. Conference languages: English. Logistics: There is no registration fee for the invited speakers/resource persons. All travel and hotel expenses will be covered by the participants (or their institutions). Contact Professor Md. Sirajul Islam [siraj_t...@yahoo.co.in] Dr. Rekha Ojha, [drrek...@gmail.com] Dr. Gour Hajra, [hazra_g...@yahoo.com] Visva-Visva-Bharati University Santinikentan, India Conference website: http://www.crvp.org/conferences/2016/santinikentan.html __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: https://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/interphil@list.polylog.org/ __________________________________________________
