The western philosophical canon is constituted overwhelmingly by the \;thoughts and ideas of white men. Students of philosophy today can take \;entire modules\, or even degrees\, and not read a single text by a woman or \;person of colour. The widespread exclusion of philosophical contributions \;from these historically marginalised groups has problematic implications for \;philosophy as a discipline\, from both a practical and theoretical perspective.
Systematic exclusion raises important ethical questions about the way \;certain people are treated in and by philosophy. Taking steps to undermine \;this exclusion in philosophy can help to open up the discipline to a wider \;variety of people and issues\, which is likely to ensure that the best \;possible philosophy is being practiced.
Drawing attention to the overlooked contributions of certain thinkers in the \;history of philosophy enriches the discipline. If the challenge of \;philosophy is to problematise existing orthodoxies and gain new and \;innovative perspectives on problems\, then we have good reason to believe \;that the perceptions of persons historically situated as &lsquo\;Others&rsquo\; might have \;something especially important to offer.
Furthermore\, in acknowledging that the established philosophical canon is \;the product of only a few minds\, who occupied a position of privilege\, we \;must ask ourselves: what could we possibly be missing from philosophy? \;Perhaps the ideas around which we orient our philosophical endeavours &ndash\; \;rationality\, knowledge\, truth\, objectivity &ndash\; could be radically different. \;Understanding the socio-temporal situatedness of the genesis of our best \;loved philosophical concepts should prompt us to consider what new \;philosophical ground can be uncovered if philosophy from &lsquo\;Other&rsquo\; standpoints \;is pursued.
The aim of this conference\, then\, is to explore the possibilities for \;enriching philosophy through exposure to its many &lsquo\;Others&rsquo\;.
Possible themes for papers might include\, but are not limited to:
Feminist epistemology and standpoint theory
What is it to exclude? What is it to include? Strategies and practices of \;inclusion/exclusion and their effects
Philosophy of race
Critical approaches to philosophical methodology\, including pedagogical method
Philosophy and disability
Philosophy and heteronormativity
Non-western philosophy and its relation to western philosophical praxis
Identity politics
Political philosophy and &lsquo\;others&rsquo\;
Justice and injustice
Critical theory
The concept of &lsquo\;rigour&rsquo\; and its place in philosophy
The object/subject distinction
For queries or more information contact Rosie Worsdale: \;rworsd@essex.ac.uk
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