CFP: Fourth Annual Graduate Conference at the University of Toronto Centre for Ethics

Deus v. Machina: Intersections of Religion and Technology

The 4th Annual University of Toronto Centre for Ethics Graduate Student Conference

April 29th-30th, 2016

Keynote Speaker

John L. Modern, Franklin and Marshall College

Recent work in theory, religion, and ethics has attempted to confront the intersection of religion and technology in modernity. This scholarship, coming from a wide range of theoretical backgrounds, challenges our understanding of the relationship between faith traditions and technological innovation. Some go so far as to question the structure of the relationship itself, and assert that an adequate moral or political theory must consider, include, and revisit new approaches to this perennial debate.

The graduate students at the University of Toronto Centre for Ethics invite papers exploring these and related issues. We welcome submissions from all related disciplines, including religion, political theory, political science, philosophy, history, etc. Those whose work is critical of the theme(s) are also encouraged to apply, as well as comparative ethical approaches (including non-Western ethics), and submissions grounded in the history of political thought or the study of religion. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Ethical Paradigms and Modernity
• Religion and Technology in Political, Religious, or Philosophic Thought
• Digital Worlds (online ministries, televangelists, social media)
• (Neo)fundamentalism
• Depictions of Religion and Technology in Literature
• Transhumanism/Posthumanism
• Artificial Intelligence
• Terrorism and/or Global Conflict

Deadline for Submission: January 15th, 2016.

Interested participants should send an abstract of their paper, not exceeding 500 words, to [email protected]. Submissions must be in PDF format and prepared for blind review. In your email, please include your name, abstract title, and institutional affiliation. Only one submission per author.

Panels will have faculty discussants from a variety of disciplines at the University of Toronto. Keynote presentation and reception to take place April 29th. Some travel funds may be available (amount and availability TBD).

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].