2nd IEF International Colloquium ROADS TO CARE, 19th-21st October 2022 (FLUC - Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra)

The extreme vulnerability of humans and contemporary societies, recently laid bare by the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to extreme poverty, famine and numerous sorts of inequality, injustice, and exploitation affecting a vast proportion of the global human population. Different and unexpected forms of vulnerability felt worldwide urge philosophy and philosophers to reflect upon the present situation and to take action towards finding humane and well-reasoned answers to some of today’s most pressing problems. To this end, and in line with its core commitment to the “philosophy of care,” the IEF aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue between philosophers and all of those who, in their own fields of inquiry and expertise, are engaged in taking care of the Earth and its inhabitants by doing their utmost to mitigate the perils currently threatening our planetary household. A precise definition of the nature, aims and methods of a “philosophy of care” has yet to be established, but its scope has widened to encompass major challenges, notably the promotion of inclusive and democratic societies, gender equality, climate and environmental sustainability, cultural, artistic and human heritage, and universal access to high-quality and affordable healthcare and education. These are the fundamental issues we hope to address in this colloquium.

In its 2nd edition, the colloquium will also pay tribute to Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo (1930-2004), former Portuguese prime-minister and a pioneering contributor to the development of the philosophy of care, whose life and work will be evoked by a special discussion panel. Apart from papers associated with the colloquium’s four main sections (see below), we also welcome contributions on M. L. Pintasilgo’s thought and legacy, broadly construed.