MAP Public Facing Philosophy Conference

In the face of seemingly countless events of crisis, philosophy can appear superfluous or vain in matters of social concern. However, philosophy has never been a passive force in the world and philosophers have historically played important roles in socio-political action. With this in mind, MAP International is planning an event on Public Facing Philosophy to address both how philosophers can play a significant part outside of philosophy departments, and why philosophers need to be sensitive to the public and its social concerns. MAP International believes that philosophy has important skills and knowledge to approach our contemporary issues. Addressing these issues can manifest through interdisciplinary work, or work completely outside of the academy.

We are influenced by many philosophers out there that serve as examples of public facing philosophy–thinkers who are doing the work even if its themes and content fall outside the purview of their philosophical areas of specialty. With the work of these people in mind, through this event MAP wants to engage with questions on (a) the place and role of philosophy in our time in history and our present social concerns, (b) the role of the public in philosophy or why philosophers should be sensitive to public concerns, and (c) the challenges and obstacles of public work in and through philosophy departments.