CFP: Historical Perspectives on Freedom and Evil

Despite the absence of uniform, orthodox ways of defining the concepts of freedom and evil, it is often thought that they interact in important ways. Attempting to clarify the nature of this interaction often gives rise to complicated philosophical systems because the problem extends across at least three philosophical axes simultaneously: metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical. This conference will address some of these issues from an explicitly historical perspective, especially that of the early-modern and modern periods.

CFP: Prospective participants are encouraged to submit their proposals regarding the relationship between freedom and evil (either human or divine), both broadly construed. Some examples of more specific topics include:

1.     What is the nature of evil that affects our freedom?
2.     What is the source or origin of evil in ourselves?
3.     How do we recognize evil in the world and in ourselves?
4.     How does evil manifest in our practical reasoning?
5.     When we engage in evil, are we passively “overpowered” by evil, or can we actively choose evil without our control being diminished?
6.     Can evil be realistically avoided for or overcome by humans, and how?

Proposals in the form of 500-word abstracts, in English, suitable for blind review should be submitted in Word (docx) or PDF format to [email protected] before December 01, 2023. Acceptance letters will be emailed no later than January 15, 2024. Approximately 5 presentations will be accepted.


Keynote Address: Samuel Newlands (Notre Dame).