CFP: Philosophy of the City

Throughout human history, the city has been a site for the articulation of new forms of knowledge, political community, economy and individuality with respect to the (sometimes conflicting) norms of freedom, equality, and justice.  Yet, the continued urbanization of the globe poses tremendous problems, particularly in this time of ecological crisis, economic inequality and political uncertainty.

Philosophy began in the city (Plato, Aristotle), and the city is a recurrent topic for major writers in the history of philosophy (Aquinas, Machiavelli), and the urban figures as a prominent site of investigation in numerous fields. Today, the urban holds steady as a prominent area of investigation, crossing disciplinary boundaries within academia.  Among many contemporary philosophers, however, the city as an object of study lacks prominence.  Yet, trailblazing members of the philosophic community are taking the discipline in new directions, analyzing the city in a 21st century context.  The aim of this conference is to build their network and engage those issues from a variety of philosophical perspectives (e.g. ethico-political, phenomenological, feminist, critical race theory). Abstracts addressing the following topics are encouraged:

Sex and sexuality

The city’s place in the history of philosophy

Built and natural environments

Culture and subculture

Associationism and communitarianism

Violence and inequality

The economy, labor and work

Gender and place

Participatory democracy

Race and immigration

The food system and urban agriculture

Democracy and public space

Environmental change

Power and the multinational corporation

This list is only suggestive; the range of topics is open.  Interdisciplinary approaches are welcome. Send abstracts or proposals of 400 – 800 words to Shane Epting, [email protected], by September 20, 2013.  Address inquiries to Dr. Michael Menser, [email protected]. Selected papers will be published in a special edition of Environmental Ethics, subject to peer review.

Confirmed speakers:

• Sharon Meagher (University of Scranton, editor of Philosophy and the City)
• Kyle Pows Whyte (Michigan State University; editor Environmental Justice in Native America)
• Ron Sundstrom (San Francisco State University; The Browning of America and the Evasion of Social Justice).

Confirmed sessions:

• “Rebuilding After Superstorm Sandy: Climate Change, Inequality and the Resilient City,”
• ”Doing Public Philosophy: Democracy and Civic Engagement at the 21st Century University”

Reservations can be made at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

333 Adams Street · Brooklyn, New York 11201 USA