Philosophy Conferences and Calls for Papers

The Philosophy Department of Elon University invites applications for them second annual seminar on Philosophy as Transformative Practice.

In intensely focused work over several days, we propose to explore and enact philosophy as a form of normative and imaginative engagement that is deeply transformative of both its practitioners and their worlds. Academic philosophers at all levels and those beyond the academy are equally invited to apply, as well as philosophically- and creatively-inclined individuals and representatives of organizations across many fields.

This year’s seminar will focus acutely on the meaning, mechanisms and nature of transformations inspired and informed by philosophical wisdom, methods, and history. We will not only discuss ideas surrounding this theme, but also put those ideas, creatively and concretely, to the test. Participants will be invited/expected/enticed/ requested/tempted to develop and adopt transformative practices in an experimental vein, in order to gauge the dynamics required for educational transformation. Thus, there will be time devoted to large group discussions as well as creative, small group workshops designed to generate and embody innovative philosophical encounters. The seminar will serve as a
teaching laboratory where we collectively explore the nature of educational transformation as manifested in a diversity of sites, within and beyond the
classroom.

Applications

Applications to participate in this year’s seminar will take one of the two following forms:

1. Papers (which will be provided to the participants prior to the seminar, and will be discussed, but not formally presented). These papers (approximately 4500 words) should explore the philosophical meanings of “philosophy as transformative practice.” Topics might include but are not limited to the following questions:
a. The naturalistic aspects of personal transformation: what do we know about
how personal transformation occurs? What does philosophy have to offer to an understanding of the psychology of transformation?
b. What is the nature of communal transformation, and how is it related to personal transformation?
c. In what ways is philosophy inherently transformative? In what ways can philosophy itself be transformed by different modes of engagement (for example, teaching philosophy to children)?
d. What are the ethical implications of philosophy as transformative practice? Are all transformations necessarily positive, or ought we to be seeking certain types of transformations?
e. What is (or could be) the influence of transformative practice on political conflicts, international peace efforts, and attempts to develop alternative ways of living?
f. In what ways might philosophy as transformative practice be or be considered to be dangerous? What are the risks involved?
g. Is transformation necessary - or desirable?
h. How might aesthetics play a role in philosophy as transformative practice?

2. Forms of Engagement (which will be made available to the
participants prior to the seminar). Applicants may also, in addition to or in lieu of a completed paper, submit forms of creative engagement with philosophy as transformative practice. Examples may include syllabi, individual classroom assignments, curriculum vitae, personal narratives, descriptions ofm study abroad programs/assessments, fictional works, artworks of all genres (painting, film, plays, etc.). These materials should provide other participants with a strong sense of your potential contributions (including your questions and curiosity!) to the discussions and activities that will make up the seminar.

A cover letter should accompany and explain the submission.

Selected works (papers, examples of forms of engagement, and material generated within the seminar itself) will be published in a special issue of Bridges: An Interdisciplinary Journal of History, Philosophy, Theology and Science (a peer-reviewed journal). Seminar participants will be provided with a gratis copy of the special issue.

The seminar will take place in group-discussion and workshop formats, with 15-25 participants total. Ongoing Elon philosophy classes and community work will serve as “laboratory” settings. Discussions will be arranged thematically, and will consist of (at most) only a brief presentation by authors, to be
followed by an extended discussion by all participants. Accepted participants who do not
“present” a formal paper at the seminar will be given the opportunity to develop and present original material at the seminar; thus, all participants will also be presenters. Workshops will be grounded in the thematic discussions, and will offer opportunities for collaborative, practical innovation. Results from the workshops will be “tested” in classrooms and presented to the entire seminar for discussion.

Applications should be mailed to Philosophy Department, Campus Box 2316, Elonm University, Elon, NC 27244, and must be postmarked by November 15, 2006. Notification of acceptance should be within six weeks.