The University of Missouri &ndash\; St. Louis Philosophers&rsquo\; Forum invites submissions from current graduate students (or those who have graduated during the 2020 Fall/Winter semester) that explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns\, quarantines\, and social-distancing recommendations on individuals\, institutions\, and theories of epistemic and moral obligation. Broader philosophical engagement of other instances of social isolation or pandemics/epidemics/medical quarantines other than COVID-19 are also welcome. Papers on this theme from all variety of philosophical perspectives are welcome. Particular questions of interest include:
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; What are the effects of social isolation on cognition\, reasoning\, productivity\, and/or emotional well-being? Given those effects\, should students\, employees\, and employers be held to different standards than those in place pre-pandemic?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; What are the effects of medical misinformation presented in authoritative formats? How can individuals protect themselves and others from misinformation and unwarranted conspiracy theories concerning research on COVID-19\, viruses\, and pandemics more generally?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; How should individuals prioritize the economic\, relational\, and bioethical obligations that they have in the midst of a global pandemic? How should individuals\, collectives\, and governing bodies respond to conflicts between those obligations?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; What kinds of knowledge and virtues ought to be prioritized in future policies designed to address pandemic situations?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Has the inability to interact with others in-person resulted in increased political polarization and/or disagreement in online mediums?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; In what ways has this pandemic specifically affected members of marginalized groups? How should the difficulties afflicting members of minority groups be equitably addressed?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; Does boredom cause overall positive\, negative\, or neutral effects on individuals? Are there morally relevant differences between chronic/persistent boredom\, and more temporarily boring circumstances?
\n·\; \; \; \; \; \; \; How should individuals value online relationships? Do relationships developed entirely online have the same value as those developed in-person?
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Accepted papers will be presented in a live\, online format with an opportunity for comments and Q&\;A in a manner that will be determined once we assess the number of accepted submissions. We do ask participants to attend other presenters&rsquo\; sessions and contribute feedback/questions.
\;To apply\, please submit:
\n1) A paper prepared for anonymous review\, not exceeding 3500 words in length.
\n2) A separate cover sheet including name\, institutional affiliation\, contact information\, paper title\, word count\, and an abstract of no more than 300 words to Michael Tofte (mctd62@mail.umsl.edu) by January 24\, 2021. Acceptances will be announced beginning February 15\, 2021 and no later than February 22\, 2021.
\nThose interested in attending the conference in a different capacity (as a commentator or as an attendee) should contact Michael Tofte (mctd62@mail.umsl.edu) or visit our website for registration information.
ORGANIZER;CN=Michael Tofte: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR