CFP: Political Philosophy and Religion Workshop

The University of Notre Dame’s Center for Philosophy of Religion will host the first annual Political Philosophy and Religion Workshop on November 8-9, 2019. The workshop will bring together scholars from political philosophy, political science, philosophy of religion, religious studies, and theology to foster interdisciplinary research at the intersection of political philosophy and religion.

We seek papers, or abstracts of roughly 750 words, on any topic at the intersection of political philosophy and philosophy of religion or theology. Interdisciplinary papers and papers exploring connections that have not been widely discussed in contemporary scholarship are especially welcome.

Papers or abstracts should be prepared for anonymous review and sent by August 15, 2019 to [email protected].

Below is a list of possible research questions:

• What insights can theology bring to bear on a general theory of justice?
• What are the grounds of a legitimate civil religion?
• How should religious disagreement be regulated by states, if at all?
• How can religious texts or tradition inform how religious citizens should think about engaging those with conflicting values?
• Are there theologically informed civic virtues?
• Should religious commitments influence political outlook and participation in a liberal democracy? If so, how?
• In what ways do religious institutions or theological doctrines bear responsibility for political injustices in the present or past?
• What are the ideals of justice that ought to be upheld in religious communities in particular?
• What is the best political arrangement for religious institutions?

Dr. Anna Bialek of Washington University, St. Louis and Dr. Kyla Ebels-Duggan of Northwestern University will be our keynote speakers. The workshop organizers are Toni Alimi (Princeton University, Religion), Ryan Davis (Brigham Young University, Political Science), Anne Jeffrey (Baylor University, Philosophy) and Mark Satta (Harvard University, Law).

The participant with the top paper will be provided lodging and have travel reimbursed up to $500.

Email [email protected] with questions.