CFP: BU MAP Graduate Writing Workshop – “Philosophies of Vulnerability”

The Boston University chapter of Minorities and Philosophy (MAP) is pleased to announce a call for abstracts for our 2026 Graduate Writing Workshop, themed “Philosophies of Vulnerability.” MAP is an international network dedicated to addressing issues of minority participation in academic philosophy. Our mission is to examine and dismantle structural barriers facing marginalized groups within the discipline and to foster philosophical work that critically engages with structures of power, identity, and justice.

In the context of United States politics characterized by the erosion of rights and protections—manifested through state terrorism against immigrant communities (e.g., ICE), legislative assaults on transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, and the continual devaluation of disabled lives—vulnerability remains an ever-present concern. This workshop aims to foreground scholarship that uses the lens of vulnerability to analyze contemporary realities, challenge oppressive systems, and imagine more just frameworks.

We invite submissions from advanced PhD candidates in the Boston area and beyond whose work substantively engages with the concept of vulnerability. We particularly welcome contributions from trans philosophy, philosophy of disability, feminist philosophy, critical race philosophy, and social epistemology, though all philosophical approaches are welcome. Papers should treat vulnerability as a core analytical lens or primary subject matter.

Workshop Details & Format:

This intensive, collaborative peer-review workshop is designed to help authors develop a dissertation chapter into a journal-ready article. The goal is to provide comprehensive feedback and develop a structured revision plan to target journal submission by the end of summer 2026.

• Ten days prior to the workshop, presenters must submit a full draft (6000-8000 words).
• All participants (including non-presenting attendees) are required to pre-read all papers and provide written feedback.
• Each presenter will have a 45-minute session featuring brief author remarks, focused discussion led by a faculty moderator, and collective strategizing.
• The day will conclude with a dedicated block for authors to synthesize feedback and create a concrete revision and submission timeline, supported by an accountability mechanism.

Application Information:

All applicants must submit their materials via the Google Form linked in the Call for Abstracts. Please note that this is a non-stipendiary event; participants and presenters are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and related costs. BU MAP cannot provide financial assistance.

The application form will request:

1. Applicant information (name, university, email, year in program).
2. An anonymous abstract of 750-1000 words for blind review.
3. Short answers regarding your project’s connection to the theme, your goals for the workshop, and how your work aligns with MAP’s mission of addressing marginalization in philosophy and society.

Submit abstracts using the following form: https://tinyurl.com/bumapworkshop26cfa

Key Dates:

Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Notifications Sent By: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Full Draft Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Workshop Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (all-day)

We look forward to receiving your submissions and to building a collaborative space for rigorous, socially-engaged philosophical work.

Sincerely,

The BU MAP Organizing Committee ([email protected])