CFP: 12th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers’ Society Conference

The Lighthearted Philosophers Society (LPS) is an organization for philosophers who approach their work with a sense of humor. We strive to create a venue for professional philosophy that is welcoming, and engaging, and most importantly funny. Please join us in our merry ruminations!

Our conference attracts philosophers from all over the nation and around the world. We are interested in both the philosophy of humor and humorous philosophy from any field. We welcome witty papers from any area of philosophy, and we’d especially enjoy papers on philosophical questions about humor. This year’s conference will also feature a stand-up comedy night, so if you’re in attendance you’re welcome to join us onstage!

Submission Requirements:

All materials should be prepared for blind review; contact information, affiliation, whether you would like to volunteer as a heckler (see below), etc. should be included on a separate cover sheet. We will accept submissions in the following forms:

1) Full paper submissions: Please prepare papers with limited time for presentation in mind (2,500-3,000 words is preferable).

2) Panel proposal: Panel description should be 350-500 words, which should specify what each panelist will contribute.

3) Individual Short Performances: Submissions should include a 350-500 word rationale describing the theoretical contribution of the performance piece as well as a 350-500 word abstract describing the nature of the performance itself. Please include any audio-visual requests in the abstract.

4) Abstract submissions: Abstracts should be 350-500 words, and should be accompanied by a references/work cited page. Please note that we give preference to full papers. 

Hecklers (commentators) will accompany each accepted submission. If you are interested in volunteering to comment and are not submitting a paper, please email the conference organizer with your areas of specialization, contact information, affiliation, and indicate you would like to volunteer as a heckler. Otherwise, if you would be interested in providing a commentary, please indicate this on your submission cover sheet.

Selected papers will be considered for the Joseph S. Ellin Memorial Essay Prize ($100)

Selected hecklers will be considered for the Richard C. Richards Almost Memorial Prize ($50)

Those selected will be notified by July 15th.

Please submit your papers electronically to the following email address: [email protected].  Questions can be directed to the email address above.