CFP: Special Issue on Philosophical Methods (Synthese)

Call for Papers for the Special Issue "Philosophical Methods" (Synthese)

S.I.Title (Synthese): Philosophical Methods

Guest Editors: Anna-Maria Asunta Eder, Northeastern University; Insa Lawler, University of Duisburg-Essen; Raphael van Riel, University of Duisburg-Essen  

Special Issue Description: The special issue is dedicated to the study of philosophical methodology with a special focus on questions concerning methods of conceptual clarification (conceptual analysis, explication, conceptual engineering) and formal methods. These methods are of fundamental importance for many of the debates taking place in contemporary philosophy, such as the debate about the knowledge-first approach in epistemology, the debate concerning the a priori/a posteriori distinction in the philosophy of language, ameliorative projects within social and political philosophy and the distinction between verbal vs. non-verbal disagreement in philosophy in general. They are also of fundamental importance for understanding other methods that are used in philosophy such as abductive methods, thought experiments and the reflective equilibrium.  

Appropriate Topics for Submission include, among others: The topic of the special issue is intended to be construed fairly broadly, with an eye on questions regarding conceptual clarification. We are especially interested in debates concerning: a priori methods and a posteriori methods in philosophy, conceptual analysis and Carnap's conception of explication, conceptual engineering, thought experiments and their role in philosophy, and formal methods in philosophy  

For further information, please contact the guest editors: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]  

The deadline for submissions is: May 1, 2017  

Guest editors' names and addresses: Anna-Maria Asunta Eder (Northeastern University; Department of Philosophy and Religion; 314 Holmes Hall; 360 Huntington Avenue; Boston, MA 02115, USA), Insa Lawler & Raphael van Riel (both: University of Duisburg-Essen; Department of Philosophy; Universitätsstraße 12; 45141 Essen, Germany)