Policing, Policy, and Philosophy Initiative (3PI) Symposium

The Policing, Policy, and Philosophy Initiative (3PI) will host its second symposium on May 30, 2025. This virtual symposium will feature research at the intersection of policing and philosophy, with a particular interest in work that speaks to policy debates. All philosophical work on policing is welcome. Potential topics include but are not limited to police legitimacy, police’s role in a democratic society, police accountability, the moral implications of new police technologies, policing and racial justice, the ethics of police use of force, and police abolition.

Beyond offering opportunities for feedback on in-progress work and learning about new research, the symposium looks to build connections and community among scholars with philosophical interests in policing. Funding for the symposium is provided by the Penn State Rock Ethics Institute.

Papers accepted for the symposium will be considered for the 3PI Paper Prize, which comes with a $1,000 award. The prize committee will evaluate papers based on their originality in advancing philosophical debates on policing and their skill in translating insights from philosophy into concrete implications for policy. The paper awarded the 3PI Paper Prize will receive consideration for publication in the Journal of Public Policy. 

Faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and independent scholars with advanced degrees are eligible to participate in the symposium and can apply by (1) submitting a paper and/or (2) requesting to be a panel discussant. Papers submitted for consideration should be anonymous and no more than 3,500 words (excluding abstract, notes, and references). Discussants will receive a small honorarium in appreciation of their service. To apply for either role, please visit the following link and apply by March 21, 2025: https://forms.gle/TJUWxhMBkJgHkzDCA.Notification decisions will be sent in April 2025.

About 3PI: The Policing, Policy, and Philosophy Initiative (3PI) draws on tools from philosophy to understand policing’s role in society and inform policy. Through its events and resources, 3PI fosters collaboration among philosophers and ethicists, highlights research in philosophy on policing, and connects scholars with policymakers and community leaders. 3PI has been supported by funding from the American Philosophical Association and Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State, where it is based. For more information about 3PI, visit: https://3pi.la.psu.edu/. If you have questions about 3PI or its upcoming symposium, please email [email protected].