CFP: Mister Rogers and Philosophy

Mister Rogers and Philosophy
edited by Eric J. Mohr and Holly K. Mohr

Abstracts are sought for a collection of philosophical essays on topics related to the work and vision of Fred Rogers and the PBS television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The volume is to be published as part of Open Court’s successful Popular Culture and Philosophy series (e.g., Seinfeld and Philosophy, The Matrix and Philosophy, etc.).

Mister Rogers—the beloved childhood figure for generations—has enjoyed cultural influence that warrants philosophical and critical consideration. Please submit abstracts, between 200 and 500 words along with a CV or resume, on any aspect of philosophical interest related to Mister Rogers, the man and/or the show.

Any already-written, unpublished papers may be submitted along with an abstract. We are looking for final drafts to be on the shorter-side, between 3,000 and 4,500 words. Papers that are longer than 4,000 will likely be asked to be trimmed to reduce verbosity and ensure accessibility to our target audience.

Chapters should be accessible and entertaining to the general public, and to fans of the show who may or may not have prior interest in philosophy. Creative engagement with the topics and the connections to philosophical ideas are encouraged. Contributors may want to consult other volumes in the series, and should be willing to tailor articles to Open Court’s submission guidelines to ensure an appeal to a non-academic audience.

Anticipated Deadlines

• ·       Abstracts due by Nov. 26, 2018 (notification by Dec. 3)
• ·       First drafts due by Jan. 21, 2019
• ·       Final drafts due by Mar. 18, 2019

Open Court has asked for a completed manuscript by April 15th for October 2019 publication (to accompany the film release of You Are My Friend). As such, early submissions are always welcome.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• ·       The simple and deep/shallow and complex
• ·       Community and the meaning of neighborhood
• ·       Love/kindness/compassion
• ·       “Neighborhood expression of care”
• ·       Identity and authenticity
• ·       Children, child psychology, child/parent relationship
• ·       Education
• ·       Language and communication
• ·       Feelings
• ·       Empathy
• ·       Imagination
• ·       Respect and Acceptance
• ·       Equality and inclusion
• ·       Essential vs. inessential
• ·       The inner and the outer
• ·       Personal uniqueness
• ·       Puppets
• ·       Forms of media
• ·       Marketing to Children
• ·       Consumerism
• ·       Privilege
• ·       The Mister Rogers Legacy

Please email abstracts, as well as any questions, to Eric Mohr ([email protected]). We’re looking forward to hearing your ideas.