CFP: Contemporary Philosophy of Race Conference

Contemporary Philosophy of Race Conference

February 8-10, 2024

Deadline for Application: October 10th, 2023

Organized by Alisha Sharma and Sofie Vlaad 

Queen’s University at Kingston, Philosophy Department and Online

Keynote Speakers: Chike Jeffers (Dalhousie University), Katherine McKittrick (Queen’s University), and Muindi Fanuel Muindi (Independent Scholar) 

In recent years, philosophy of race has moved from the margins of academia to becoming a recognized, rich field of its own. Similarly, Queen’s University as a hub of critical philosophy, has undergone immense growth. Having recently hired scholars specializing in Philosophy of Race, Black Political Thought, Anishinaabe Knowledge, Language and Culture, Critical Prison Studies and more, the Queen’s Philosophy department in collaboration with the CRC in Black Studies is proud to host a hybrid professional conference on the philosophy of race. 

Philosophy of race as a broad field examines issues raised by the concept of race, the practices and processes of racialization, and the persistence of various forms of racism across the world and throughout history. Contemporary philosophers of race face the logics and orders of racial capitalism, coloniality, and anti-Blackness. Following Ruth Wilson Gilmore’s repeated assertion that scholarship and activism cannot be cleaved apart, they study and struggle against these structures and horizons of social life by opposing racism and oppression in all forms. We are interested in papers that are oriented toward freedom in this way, especially those that take analytic, continental, and interdisciplinary approaches drawing from Black Studies, Trans/Queer/Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Disability Studies, Cultural Studies, etc. 

Possible Topics Include:

• Trans of Color and Queer of Color Philosophies

• Philosophy of Caste/Casteism

• Race and Legal Philosophy

• Black, Latinx, and other Decolonial Feminisms

• Philosophy of Race and Ecology/Environmental Philosophy

• Metaphysics of Race

• Race and Disability

• Phenomenology of Race

• Race and Philosophy of Art

We invite anonymized abstracts (max 300 words) on topics that engage with the philosophy of race. We are especially interested in papers that are engaging philosophy of race at the intersections of gender, disability,caste, and class. Those interested in presenting a 20 minute paper should submit their title, abstract, and a short (max 150 words) bio by email to [email protected] no later than October 10th, 2023. Successful applicants will present their paper on a panel with two others presenting for 20 minutes each, followed by a joint moderated 30 minute Q&A. 

Needs-based travel bursaries will also be available, particularly for marginalized and junior scholars. Please indicate whether you would be interested in such a bursary in your email if applicable.  

Any questions may be directed to [email protected]