Social Theorizing: Ontology, Agency, and Change

This conference brings together an international group of researchers working on different but interconnected problems in social philosophy, all of which have particular relevance for contemporary feminist philosophy. The conference will explore three related themes. First, what are the metaphysical underpinnings of social phenomena like gender, race, and class? Second, how are social phenomena like race, gender, and class implicated in oppression, and what role does injustice play in the creation and maintenance of the social world? Third, how do social agents experience the oppressive and unjust dimensions of social reality, and how do they exercise agency in circumstances of oppression and structural injustice? The conference aims to address these questions using the resources of analytic metaphysics, social and political philosophy, and normative ethics, and to do so with a concerted focus on achieving positive social change in practice. By bringing together diverse theoretical approaches that often inhabit philosophical silos, the conference promises to inspire and facilitate new lines of research, on which we hope to build through future collaborations.

REGISTRATION: please email [email protected] and [email protected]. Let us know (1) which days of the conference you’re planning to attend (2) any dietary requirements (beyond veggie/vegan). Registration is free, but our funds and accordingly our places are limited, so please let us know if your plans change and you cannot attend. Registration closes on Monday Oct 17th.

All conference rooms are accessible to people with mobility considerations, including wheelchair users. There are wheelchair accessible toilet facilities in every building.

This event is generously supported by the Scots Philosophical Association, the Edinburgh Philosophy Department, and the Glasgow Philosophy Department.

Full schedule available via our website