CFP: First Principles, Cause, and Explanation in Ancient Philosophy

Attempts to determine and employ ‘first principles’ or archai seem to dominate much of ancient philosophy. For example, we find in the writings of the Presocratics the positing of primary entities to account for the features of the universe. In the works of Plato and Aristotle archai are crucial for not only their natural philosophy but also for their metaphysical and epistemological commitments.

We welcome abstracts from graduate students and early career researchers for papers of approximately 3000-3500 words that investigate archai, cause, and explanation in ancient philosophy. Papers may focus on any period of ancient philosophy from the Presocratics to Philoponus. Diachronic studies will also be considered.

• Submission deadline: 13th January 2013
• Word limit: Abstract should be 500 words (max.)
• Please put ‘Conference Abstract Submission’ as the subject of your email.
• Please include your name, departmental affiliation, email address, and title of your paper in the body of the email.
• Abstracts should be prepared for blind review.
• Please ensure your abstract is free from identifying personal details.
• Please submit abstracts as .doc or .pdf by email to [email protected] as an attachment.

Queries should be sent to Benjamin Harriman [email protected]. Please do not submit abstracts to this address.