CFP: Uppsala Graduate Conference in History of Philosophy

The theme of the conference is Perception, Reason and Desire in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy. We’re pleased to announce as keynote speakers professor Thomas Johansen (Oslo) and professor Cecilia Trifogli (Oxford).

The conference aims to explore the different abilities (or powers) of the human soul. How do the different ancient schools understand perceptual, cognitive and appetitive aspects of human psychology and how do they argue for their theories? What is their influence in the medieval debate and what are the particularly medieval developments? The aim of the conference is to attract graduate students working both in ancient and in medieval philosophy to facilitate a broader discussion on these themes.

We welcome papers on the conference topic theme, including (but not limited to):

* How are perceptual, cognitive and appetitive aspects of the soul related?

* Is perception reception or active grasping? What are perceptual judgments? What role does perception have in reasoning and desiring? How do medieval accounts of the internal senses contribute to this discussion?

* How ought we to understand Aristotelian conceptions of an active intellect/mind vs a passive intellect/mind?

* Do images have any role in the acquisition of knowledge?

* By what means is reason supposed to control desire if desires are completely irrational? Can we only desire what we perceive or believe to be good?

* Are there capacities of the soul that are wholly independent of the body?

* Is there a unity of soul, and if so, how can it be accounted for?

We welcome submissions of no longer than 4000 words with an abstract of no longer than 300 words. Please prepare submissions for blind review. Include name, title, institutional affiliation and contact information on a separate cover page. Each participant will be given 30m for presentation and 25m for comments and Q&A. Each presenter will be assigned a commentator from a Nordic university. Co-authored papers are permitted if all authors are current graduate students. All applicants will be notified no later than July 1st, 2016.

-          - All participants will be offered accommodation (a single room at a hostel).

-          - Participants with traveling expenses not covered by their home institution will be able to apply for stipends.

The conference will be held in connection with the Nordic Network in History of Philosophy Workshop exploring similar themes as the Graduate Conference. The participants have an opportunity, if they so wish, of attending both events. Attending the conference provides opportunities for graduate students in history of philosophy to meet and make connections with Nordic scholars.

Prospective participants may contact the organizing committee and we will happily answer any questions about the conference:

[email protected]