CFP: Scottish Reactions to Mandeville

Egoism played a central role in enlightenment ethics. The first wave of egoist theory emerged out of Protestant theologizing, Epicurean revivalists like Pierre Gassendi, and especially the work of Thomas Hobbes. But whereas those influences dominated late 17th and early 18th century discussion of egoism, the egoist "culprit" of the greater part of the 18th century, at least in Britain, and especially in Scotland, was Bernard Mandeville. Papers are invited that investigate the peculiar influence Mandeville's philosophy had on Scottish thinking as well as papers that reconsider the nature of Mandeville's argument itself alongside the effectives of Scottish responses to that argument. While contributions focused on Hutcheson, Hume, and Smith are expected, papers addressing lesser studied Scottish responses to Mandeville are also encouraged.  Deadline for conference paper abstracts: October 1st 2012. Send to [email protected]. Acceptance/rejection by 1st November.

This conference is being organized in association with a special issue of the Journal of Scottish Philosophy  Deadline for initial journal submission: February 1st 2013. Submissions should be prepared for blind review and sent by email attachment to: [email protected] NB: Accepted conference abstracts can be the basis of journal submissions.

It will now be possible to provide food, lodging, and a portion of travel funding for up to 3 graduate students. Please indicate your eligibility for this award when you submit. If you have already submitted, and are eligible, please update your submission.

Details can be found at the CSSP website: