CFP: Liberalism and Republicanism: Public Policy Implications

This one-day conference aims to explore the relationship between liberal and republican political theory with regard to their public policy implications. In particular, the extent to which liberal and republican theory generate genuinely different public policy; whether or not it is possible to synthesise liberal and republican accounts; or rather, should clear demarcation be made between the two traditions?

Within this general theme, we welcome submissions in political theory, political philosophy, and legal theory. Papers sympathetic to the idea of converging the two traditions, as well as those critical of it from either side, are welcomed.

Suggested topics of papers may include:

• To what extent, and in what way, are liberal and republican recommendations different for a given policy area (e.g. citizenship, education, immigration, multiculturalism, censorship, climate change)?
• Are the conceptual and normative differences that underpin liberal and republican policies susceptible to integration?
• Or do they generate strict boundaries between liberal and republican policy recommendations?
• Would a synthesis of liberal and republican policies be plausible and/or desirable?

This conference is open to any interested party and aims to be a supportive environment for postgraduate students and early career researchers. Please send an abstract (300 words max.) to Lior Erez ([email protected]) and Nick Martin ([email protected]) no later than 16 November, 2012.