CFA: Perspectives on Altruism: Empathy, Compassion, Care

In recent years, a significant debate on the concept of altruism, not only in the philosophical realm but also in neuroscience, psychology, and economics, has been developed. Indeed, the need to rethink this topic starting from the “philosophy of the second person” and to integrate the “thou” into the existential constitution of the “I” emerged. In fact, the concept of altruism refers to two main aspects of human identity, meaning both the relationship with oneself and with others. Discussing altruism from this perspective highlights the dynamic of stepping outside oneself to recognize what is good for the other and to promote it selflessly. It also involves investigating the motivational structure and analyzing the role of virtues that may enhance altruism, such as empathy and compassion, which are at the basis of caregiving. Conversely, some theories of “effective altruism” paradoxically seem to fit into a utilitarian vision or the individualistic model of self-realization for emotional well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to contribute to building a society that opposes the paradigm of immunization with those of proximity and care.

The conference aims to delve into the issue of altruism as an essential link between the Self and Otherness, interpreting it as a specific human feature, both on a theoretical and applied level. During the conference, philosophical reflection on altruism will open up an interdisciplinary perspective on medicine, ecology, communication, pedagogy, theology, and sociology, among others.

The conference will be structured into various plenary sessions with international guests from different disciplines and two round tables for presentations, which will be selected through a Call for Abstracts (CFA).

The highlighted issues can be addressed from different approaches, shedding light on the main anthropological, ethical, political, and applied questions of altruism. Abstracts that address the following topics will be positively evaluated:

-       Altruism in the neuroscientific debate

-       Prosocial animals, empathy, and human altruism

-       The “practices” of altruism in healthcare

-       An ethics for altruism: what moral models are compatible with altruism?

-       Compassion, care, and society: political dimensions of altruism

-       Prosocial skills, domestic environment, and education

-       Altruism and social capital

-       Volunteering, humanitarian action, and the culture of altruism

If you are interested in these topics, you can submit an extended abstract (700 words, either in Italian or English) to Francesco Russo ([email protected]) and Luca Valera ([email protected]) by October 31, 2024. The organizers will contact the authors of the selected abstracts and inform them of the participation details by November 15, 2024. The conference will be held at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome, Italy) from March 6 to 8, 2025.