CFP: Anti-Democratic Communication

Manipulative language has played a vital role in the rise of authoritarian regimes and the undermining of democracy worldwide. This topic will be the focus of a two-day networking workshop to be held at the University of Waterloo (November 28-29, 2026), on Anti-Democratic Communication.  Confirmed speakers include Esa Diaz Leon, Jonathan Ichikawa, Tim Kenyon, Anna Klieber, Neri Marsili, Mari Mikkola, and Jason Stanley.  The workshop is intended to be the founding event of an international network in social and political philosophy of language.  It will be followed by a special journal issue including papers from the workshop.  Six travel bursaries of up to $1000 CAD are available for presenters of accepted papers. (The event is sponsored by SSHRC, the University of Waterloo, Brock University, and the University of Toronto.)

Abstracts of 500-750 words are invited on any topic in social and political philosophy of language.  We are especially interested in papers addressing issues related to threats to democracy, and to papers addressing topics related to Canadian politics. Please send your abstract, prepared for anonymous review, to Eric Devall at [email protected].  

DEADLINE: July 15, 2026.