CFA: University of Miami Graduate Conference in Social Philosophy

Call for Abstracts: University of Miami Graduate Conference in Social Philosophy

Theme: Social Philosophy

Abstract submission deadline: August 16th, 2021

Dates of the conference: Wednesday, September 22nd, & Thursday, Sept. 23rd, 2021 (virtual) 

Description of event:

The University of Miami graduate student conference aims to bring together a diverse group of voices to present on and discuss topics in social philosophy. All work related to social philosophy is welcome, but those working on issues in social metaphysics and epistemology such as social categories, systemic injustices, race and gender, hostile epistemology, epistemic injustice, echo chambers, and other effects of technology, and issues of agency and autonomy are especially desired. We are motivated to highlight these topics to promote recognition of underrepresented voices in philosophy by engaging in discussions on social injustices in both metaphysical and epistemological angles.

The two-day online conference will feature two keynote speakers: 

C. Thi Nguyen, University of Utah 

Title: “Value Capture and Seductive Clarity”

Abstract: (TBA)

Katharine Jenkins, University of Glasgow

Title: “Gender and Ontic Justice.”

Abstract: “In previous work (Jenkins 2020) I have argued for the existence of a phenomenon I term ‘ontic injustice’, where a social kind is at least partially constituted by constraints and enablements that are wrongful to the individuals who are constructed as kind members. In such cases, I argue that being socially constructed as a kind member is wrongful in and of itself. The social kind ‘slave’ is a clear example of ontic injustice: we don’t need to know what happens to someone after they are socially constructed as a member of the social kind ‘slave’ to know that in being so constructed they have suffered a wrong. In this talk, I apply the concept of ontic injustice to gender. I argued for two claims: first, that there are many varieties of gender kind, only some of which are ontically unjust; and, second, that there are at least two ways in which gender kinds are ontically unjust. I then draw out some implications of this conclusion for disagreements about gender recognition.”

Details for abstract submission:

We invite submissions from current graduate students in M.A. and Ph.D. programs as well as recent graduates (last 3 years). Those who identify as from an underrepresented group i.e. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, differently abled, and neurodiverse, are highly encouraged to submit their work. 

1. Abstract: A submitted abstract or panel proposal of 500 words or less will undergo blind review, so please ensure that it does not contain any form of information that will identify the author/authors. 

2. Panel discussion: Panel proposals of no more than 500 words should relate to the topics above: social categories; systemic injustices; issues of race and gender; hostile epistemology; epistemic injustice; echo chambers and other effects of technology; and issues of agency and autonomy. Panels may be several participants addressing a chosen topic, discussing a relevant paper or theory, or a practical workshop of advice on how to approach or research these topics, and so on. Please submit for either one but not both. 

Submit the abstract as a Word or PDF document attachment to [email protected] by Monday, August 16th, 2021. In the body of the email, include your name, institutional affiliation, and year in your program or date of graduation. You will be notified about the status of your application at the end of August. Please email us at the above address with any questions you may have. 

Details about the conference format:

In addition to the two keynote addresses, we will have 5 individual presentations and one panel discussion that will feature multiple participants. The individual presentations and the panel discussion will be 30-40 minutes, followed by a 5 minute break and a Q&A period of about 25 minutes.

Tentative Schedule:

Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, 2021(Eastern Standard Time):

11:00 am - 11:10 am  Start of the conference

11:10 am - 12:10 pm  First presentation by Jake Beardsley

12:10 am - 1:00 pm  Lunch break

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm  Second presentation by Kevin Gausselin

2:00 pm - 2:10 pm  Break

2:10 pm - 3:10 pm  Keynote presentation by Dr. C. Thi Nguyen

3:10 pm - 3:20 pm  Closing remarks

Thursday, Sept. 23rd, 2021(Eastern Standard Time):

9:45 am EST   Start of the conference

10:00 am - 10:45 am  Keynote presentation by Dr. Katharine Jenkins

10:45 am - 11:15 am Q&A session

11:15 am - 11:25 am  Break

11:25 am - 12:25 am  First presentation by Charlotte Zemmel

12:25 am - 1:15 pm  Lunch break

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm  Second presentation by Alexandra Cunningham

2:15 pm - 2:25 pm  Closing remarks

Contact

[email protected]