Philosophy Conferences and Calls for Papers

The Enlightenment is frequently depicted as a period of mounting skepticism: toward traditional theological claims, in the first instance, but also toward substantive metaphysical claims of all kinds. Kant is widely regarded as a paradigmatic figure, in both respects: an opponent of substantive metaphysical reflection in general and of theological reflection in particular. A number of scholars, though, have begun to question this depiction of Kant, and of the Enlightenment as a whole. Interpreters such as Jeremy Waldron and Nicholas Wolterstorff have worked to exhibit the theological sources of John Locke’s thought, while Kant scholars such as keynote speakers Karl Ameriks and John Hare have argued that Kant stands in greater continuity with the Leibnizian tradition of theologically inflected metaphysics, and with the Christian philosophical and theological tradition, than is commonly supposed. The Society of Christian Philosophers, together with a working group of Kant scholars from various faith traditions, have organized a conference on the roots, nature, and legacy of the Enlightenment. The conference will feature a series of papers by members of the working group, but also a diverse array of others on topics in and around the Enlightenment.