CFP: Curing through Questioning: Philosophy as Therapy Across Ancient Traditions and Modern Applications

CFA–– Curing through Questioning: Philosophy as Therapy Across Ancient Traditions and Modern Applications– Deadline: 1st March 2019

We invite proposals for papers to be given at an interdisciplinary conference on the theme ‘Curing through Questioning: Philosophy as Therapy Across Ancient Traditions and Modern Applications’, to take place at Worcester College, University of Oxford, on 1st - 2nd June 2019. The invited speakers are Jessica Frazier (University of Oxford), Livia Kohn (Boston University), Karyn Lai (University of New South Wales), Graham Parkes (University of Vienna), Graham Priest (City University of New York) and Katja Vogt (Columbia University).

Looking back to the ancient world, a common thread connecting a wide range of traditions across the globe is an inherent link between theoretical questioning and the development of therapeutic practices. We welcome abstracts which address either of the following themes:

•Theoretical inquiry and its implications for practical life in any ancient tradition, addressing questions such as:

o What can ancient traditions across the world teach us about the impact of philosophical questioning on leading a good life?

o How is challenging common beliefs or apparent theoretical certainties conducive to human flourishing?

• The ancient theoretical foundations of contemporary therapeutic practices, including (but not restricted to) psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, yoga, meditation, Tai-Chi, Chinese Medicine as well as traditional healing practices more generally.

We invite abstracts from graduate students and early career researchers (within five years of completion of their degree) suitable for 20-minute presentations. Please submit abstracts as email attachments to [email protected] by 1st March 2019. Abstracts should be submitted as .pdf files and should not exceed 500 words. Please write ‘Conference Abstract Submission’ in the subject line of your email and include your name, departmental affiliation, email address, and the title of your paper (as well as the year in which your PhD was awarded in the case of early career researchers) in your email. Abstracts should be prepared for blind review, so please ensure that your abstract is free from any identifying personal details.

The Conference is organized with the generous support of the Hinton Clarendon Fellowship, Worcester College; the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford; the Davis Fund Grant, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford; the Marc Sanders Foundation; Minorities and Philosophy (MAP); the Balliol College Interdisciplinary Institute; and the All Souls Academic Purpose Committee.

More information can be found on the conference website: https://curingthroughquestioning.weebly.com.

The Conference Organizers Robin Brons, Lea Cantor, Sihao Chew, Sybilla Pereira and Alesia Preite