CFP: Metaphysics Today

The graduate students at the Memorial University of Newfoundland invite papers on Metaphysics Today. The conference will be held on April 21st to 23rd, 2016.

In the aftermath of the project to critique, deconstruct, and even destroy metaphysics – piloted by figures such as Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Derrida – many subsequent thinkers have become hesitant to take up the topic of metaphysics directly. Metaphysics has become something of ‘a dirty word’ in philosophical circles. But in spite of this hesitance, or perhaps even under the influence of this hesitance, what could the project of metaphysics be today? Indeed, many thinkers today are practicing metaphysics in some form or another. So what then is the status of metaphysics today? If it has survived, how is the project of metaphysics to be defined and understood? In what forms could metaphysics exist today? And what, if any, is the value of the metaphysical project today?

This conference focuses on the project of metaphysics today, particularly in the light of the concept’s philosophical history. Memorial University’s philosophy department is rather unique in its willingness to address the topic of metaphysics directly, despite the fame and arguable success of the project to deconstruct metaphysics. We invite any papers that examine the theme of metaphysics, and particularly, the status of metaphysics today and the history of its supposed destruction. Submissions from graduate students are warmly welcomed.

Topics to be considered will include but are not limited to: 

• What is metaphysics?
• What is metaphysics today?
• Is metaphysics still hapenning?
• Where do we see metaphysics today?
• What is an example of metaphysics today?
• What thinkers are practicing metaphysics today?
• What thinkers are not practicing metaphysics today?
• What is the critique/deconstruction/destruction of metaphysics?
• Has metaphysics been destroyed?
• How has the project of metaphysics changed throughout the philosophical tradition?
• What is the value of the metaphysicsl project today?
• What could metaphysics become?

Deadline for submission: March 6th, 2016.

Please send abstract submissions for a 15-20 minute paper presentation to [email protected]. Abstracts should not exceed 500 words and should be prepared for blind review. In your email, please include your name, paper title, and institutional affiliation.

For more information, please visit the conference website or contact us at [email protected].