Philosophy at the Intersection of Moral Responsibility, Agency, and Regulation

We constantly judge ourselves and others for the things we do, and try to influence their moral beliefs and behaviour. But why? Are these practices even effective? This conference aims to address issues that arise at the intersection of the debates surrounding moral responsibility, agency, and the regulation of our own and others’ behaviour. Reactive attitudes for example may be said to have a social conformity function, and/or a role in cultivating moral agency. Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:

• Moral responsibility; forward-looking and backward-looking approaches, reasons-responsiveness, and reactive attitudes

• Agency; development of, capacities, and accountability

• Self-regulation and the regulation of others

• Function of self-regarding attitudes (shame, guilt etc.)

• Related virtues and vices of character and/or epistemic virtues and vices which affect appraisal.

• Folk psychology; communities, practices, and regulation

We are very pleased to announce that our keynote speakers are Professor Victoria McGeer (Princeton & ANU) and Dr Anneli Jefferson (Cardiff University). The conference will take place on the 9th and 10th May 2022.

To propose a paper suitable for presentation in 30 minutes with a 15 minute Q&A, please submit an abstract for blind review (maximum 500 words) [email protected]. Please include your name, title of the paper, institutional affiliation (if applicable), and academic status (e.g. doctoral student, recently completed PhD, or early career researcher). The deadline for submissions is 4th March 2022. We hope to inform successful applicants by 21st March.

We are particularly keen to encourage applications from philosophers with backgrounds which are under-represented in academic philosophy. If you believe that you are from an under-represented background, you are welcome to include this information in your email. We are committed to ensuring our conference is accessible to all. If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements please email us. More information is available on the conference website athttps://agencyintersections2022.wordpress.com/. 

We hope that this conference can take place in person at the University of Birmingham, with provisions made for online participation. We will be keeping in line with the latest coronavirus advice at the time. 

This event is kindly funded by the Mind Association and Midlands4Cities.