UCLA Workshop on Law, Ethics, and Political Theory

On November 17-18, 2023, the UCLA Law and Philosophy Program will convene a workshop onlaw, ethics, and political theory. Many topics that are receiving attention in analytic philosophy, political theory, and jurisprudence implicate questions that cross disciplinary boundaries. Examples of such topics include self-defense, burdens of proof, legal causation, political legitimacy, civil liability, private property, promising, consent, and punishment. The purpose of this UCLA convening is to bring together philosophers, legal scholars, and political theorists for in-depth discussion of works in progress. Through collaboration and critique, participants will apply an interdisciplinary lens to their respective areas of expertise. 

The format of each presentation will be as follows: after a brief author introduction, a commenter will raise objections and lead a group discussion. To facilitate this format, participants are expected to attend the entire conference and read other authors’ papers. UCLA will provide breakfast and lunch on both days, as well as a dinner on Friday evening. Participants are expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation. 

Abstracts of around 750 words should be sent to Vishnu Sridharan ([email protected]) by July 30, 2023. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by late August. Since the conference is read-ahead, those accepted to the workshop will be expected to distribute complete drafts of their works in progress by November 1, 2023. Special consideration will be given to those who have earned their PhD (or JD) within the past 10 years. A prize of $250 will be awarded for the best graduate or JD student submission. Please indicate in your submission that you qualify for the graduate student prize.