CFP: Dimensions of Difference: Exploring Diversity, Complexity, and Connection in Thought and Practice

Call for Papers 

 Dimensions of Difference: Exploring Diversity, Complexity, and Connection in Thought and Practice 

“Difference is that raw and powerful connection from which our personal power is forged.” -Audre Lorde 

Deadline for Submissions: December 20th 2024

Deadline for Notification of Acceptance: January 5th 2025

Location: Beacon College - Leesburg, FL 

Dates: April 5th & 6th 

In a world characterized by an ever-expanding spectrum of individual experiences and perspectives, recognizing and embracing diversity is crucial for fostering inclusivity and driving transformative change. The Symposium “Dimensions of Difference” seeks to investigate how diverse perspectives shape our understanding of the world and impact learning, society, and culture. 

This interdisciplinary event invites scholars, practitioners, and creatives from fields such as philosophy, sociology, anthropology, literature, pedagogy, science, and the arts to explore the multifaceted dimensions of difference and its transformative impact. We aim to examine how the diversity of human experience—reflected in complex ideas, diverse learning modalities, and interconnected practices—reshapes our approaches to knowledge, education, and human flourishing. 

Symposium Themes 

Through rigorous scholarly inquiry and dynamic dialogue, this Symposium will delve into the rich tapestry of diversity in learning, thought, and practice. Central to our exploration are questions about how varied experiences and perspectives influence educational practices and broader societal attitudes: How can diverse approaches to learning promote more inclusive and equitable educational practices? In what ways does the complexity of human cognition and development inform teaching and learning? How does the recognition of difference enhance our understanding of objects, individuals, and systems, and how can this drive transformative societal change? 

We are inviting scholars, practitioners, artists, and others to join us at Beacon College on April 5th and 6th to come together and reflect on new pathways.  

Although open to a wide range of topics, we are especially interested in presentations that engage with themes of teaching and learning—either directly or in ways that yield implications for educational practice. Papers engaging with learning disabilities are particularly encouraged. By highlighting the profound influence of diverse experiences and perspectives, we aim to deepen our understanding of how different ways of knowing contribute to personal growth, societal advancement, and the creation of more inclusive and connected learning environments. 

To that end, we invite submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics: 

•Human Flourishing and Well-being: Exploring how inclusive perspectives contribute to a more comprehensive view of human potential and thriving. 

•Anthropological Perspectives on Difference: Examining how diverse cultural practices and identities shape learning and societal structures. 

•Sociological Studies of Connection: Analyzing the complexities of social networks and the impact of diverse interactions on learning and behavior. 

•Philosophical Approaches to Diversity and Complexity: Exploring metaphysical, ethical, and epistemological questions about difference and connection. 

•Literature and the Representation of Learning Diversity: How narratives reflect diverse cognitive and experiential dimensions of learning. 

•Pedagogical Innovations: Highlighting diverse approaches to teaching that incorporate complex thinking, inclusivity, and interconnected learning modalities. 

•Ontological Categorization of Objects: Investigating how diverse approaches to categorization reveal complex understandings of difference and connection.  

•Epistemological Challenges in Knowledge Production: Understanding how varied perspectives shape the learning journey and impact educational outcomes. 

•Creative Practices and Diversity: Art, design, and media that engage with themes of complexity, diversity, and the connections between experiences. 

•Ethical Implications of Difference: Examining how diverse viewpoints inform ethical decision-making and policy development in educational contexts. 

•Scientific Explorations of Complexity: Insights from the sciences that illuminate the interconnectedness and diversity of learning processes. 

We invite abstracts of up to 300 words for individual paper presentations. Proposals should include: 

- Title of the paper 

- Abstract (300 words maximum) 

- Name and affiliation of the presenter 

- Email Address 

- A brief biography (100 words maximum) 

The deadline for submissions is December 20th. Please send submissions and inquiries to: [email protected]. Those accepted will be informed no later than January 5th. 

The symposium will also host a dedicated workshop session for undergraduate students to present their work and receive feedback. This ‘roundtable’ session will be an opportunity to gain presentations skills and mentorship from scholars related to their research.    

In addition to invited speakers, we will be working with community organizations on local events connecting with the locality, as well as having keynote addresses by leading scholars.  

There will be a registration fee of $85 which covers the cost for lunch both days of the symposium as well as coffee and snacks. There is an optional conference dinner with the Keynote on the 5th –  the cost for attending the conference dinner will be an additional nominal fee. 

Organization Details: 

Beacon College is a nonprofit liberal arts school and America’s first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating primarily neurodivergent students with learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.