CFP: Science, Politics, and the Economy – The Unintended Consequences of a Diabolic Paradox

2014 marks the 300th anniversary of the publication of Bernard Mandeville’s Fable of the Bees, or Private Vices, Publick Benefits and the centennial of Erasmus University. To celebrate both events and in honour of one of Rotterdam’s most famous citizens, the Faculty of Philosophy of the Erasmus University hosts an international conference on the work of Mandeville: its historical and intellectual context, and its contemporary relevance. The conference aims to bring together scholars from the history of science and medicine, social and political science, philosophy and economics to assess Mandeville’s work and his lasting influence.

We invite paper proposals on all aspects of Mandeville’s work and life, with special attention to the following three themes that reflect the Erasmus University’s areas of excellence: (1) Science and Medicine, (2) Political Economy, (3) Moral and Political Philosophy. Abstracts of no more than 500 words, prepared for blind review, should be submitted to [email protected] no later than 15 January 2014. Authors will be notified by 1 March 2014 of the programme committee’s decision.

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