Call For Papers

Concerned Philosophers For Peace

Twenty-First Annual Conference

Suny Cortland, Cortland NY

October 30-31, November 1-2, 2008

"Resisting War, Educating For Peace"

Since its inception in 1981, Concerned Philosophers for Peace [CPP] has become the largest, most active organization of professional philosophers in North America involved in the analysis of the causes of war and prospects for peace. The organization holds an annual conference as well as programs at each divisional meeting of the American Philosophical Association. The forthcoming Cortland conference invites papers in any area of war resistance and peace education. Submissions are also invited addressing other topics related to the causes of war and the prospects for peace.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics Peace and Social Justice, SUNY Cortland; the M.K. Gandhi Institute, Rochester University; and the Central New York Peace Studies Consortium. Saturday of the conference incorporates the CNY Peace Studies Consortium’s annual peace conference.

Please send an abstract of your proposal by September 1, 2008 [not more than 300 words] to: Andrew Fitz-Gibbon, Director, Center for Ethics Peace and Social Justice, Philosophy Department, SUNY Cortland. fitzgibbon-at-cortland.edu

CPP publishes a newsletter, and many of the conference papers have been published in various anthologies. Presenters will be invited to submit papers for peer-reviewed inclusion in a volume to be published in the Rodopi VIBS, Philosophy of Peace series.

Further information is available via the CPP list server, which can be accessed by contacting Barry Gan at bgan-at-sbu.edu; and membership information is available from David Boersma at boersema-at-pacificu.edu.

Pasadena, March 19, 2008
Group Session GI-B.
Concerned Philosophers for Peace

6:30-8:00 p.m., Location TBA

Topic: Remembrance and Reconciliation

Speakers:

Jean-Marie Makang (Frostburg State University)
"Justice, Community, and Hope in Martin Luther King's Nonviolent Struggle"

Ron Hirschbein (Walden University)
"Those Who Can't Forget the Past Are Condemned to Repeat It"

Lee Walker (California State University–Chico)
"To Forget Is to Make Peace"

Minutes: The Conference of Philosophical Societies (CoPS) met to discuss "Philosophical Themes of World Congresses of Philosophy: What Impact?" at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, Bristol room, 6.30-9.30pm, December 27, 2007 during the annual meeting of the American Philosophical Association, Eastern Division.

Speakers:

John Abbarno, President, CoPS

George F. McLean, Vice President, CoPS, Sec.-Treas. The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (RVP)

David Schrader, Executive Director, APA

William McBride, Secretary-General, International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP)

Kihyeon Kim, Secretary-General, Korean Organizing Committee for the World Congress of Philosophy

Jinho Kang, Vice Secretary-General, Korean Organizing Committee for the World Congress of Philosophy

The goal of the CoPS meeting was to invite the American philosophical societies to explore the philosophical challenges and opportunities emerging from globalization as well as how nations and cultures could unite while sustaining their identity through change. As stated by the letter of convocation from the President of CoPS:

Are the traditional avenues and methods of reasoning sufficiently equipped to address these new concerns? As philosophers we wonder how this global impact challenges our own enterprise.

We see this reflected in the theme of the next World Congresses of Philosophy (XXII) planned to convene 30 July-5 August 2008 in Seoul, South Korea. The theme is "Rethinking Philosophy Today." Gone it seems is the confidence of the previous World Congress (XXI) held in Istanbul, Turkey in 2003 which had the theme "Philosophy Facing World Problems." In more sobering times we rightly face the task of rethinking the philosophical enterprise itself. This is a most rare step--unequaled since, perhaps, Descartes set the modern goal of "clarity and distinctness."

The American philosophical community seems called upon in a special way for this task. United in the American Philosophical Association (APA) it is also diversified and specialized in the 173 societies listed in the Directory of American Philosophers. The Conference on Philosophical Societies (CoPS) serves to interconnect this open network.

G. John Abbarno chaired the session.

William McBride, Secretary General of FISP introduced the work of FISP in the past years and pointed out the problems facing the professional philosophical organizations. The World Congress of Philosophy will be held in Seoul, Korea on July 30-August 5, 2008, it is the first time since 1900 that the World Congress will be held outside of the North Atlantic region. In this global age, it is necessary to seek out what other cultures and civilizations can contribute to present-day philosophical thinking. Asian cultures as both rich and diverse can contribute and enrich world philosophy. Other cultures recognize the significance of this global interaction and actively engage in international philosophical activities. American philosophers need, and are needed for, this open world horizon of the many ways of thinking and doing philosophy. Today international collaboration in philosophy has become especially important.

George F. McLean, Director of the Council for Research in Value Philosophy and Vice President of CoPS told of the young Whitehead and Russell attending the first World Congress in Paris in 1900 and being impressed by the students of Giuseppe Peano. This inspired their joint work: Principia Mathematica, whence came two of the most important philosophical trends of the 20th century: analytic philosophy and process metaphysics. The World Congresses long had no particular theme, but only showcased whatever work was being done. After World War II general themes were added, at first in the philosophy of science, but with the emergence of the world from colonialism and the cold war issues of freedom and human dignity became central.

Since the new millennium the new global reality calls for attention to the diversity of cultures and civilizations and to their interrelations. Hence the theme of the 2003 World Congress "Philosophy Solving World Problems" now gives way to an even more fundamental of issues, namely, "Rethinking Philosophy Today". This suggests recognition that today it is philosophers' task to develop a new epistemology, indeed a new paradigm, in order to enable diverse civilizations to engage in peaceful global progress in our times. The American philosophical situation today is twofold. On the one hand, the APA unites all in a well-organized professional society. On the other hand, 173 specific philosophical societies promote the specialized philosophical competencies in the many fields. It is important to our day to find a new way of drawing upon these special capabilities and applying them to the work of philosophizing on the complex issues of our times. This is the founding purpose of The Conference of Philosophical Societies (CoPS).

David Schrader, Executive Director of the American Philosophical Association pointed out that we constantly redefine philosophy as a perpetual path. Philosophy is to communicate ideas and find values for society. The APA has a 105 year history. Philosophers need to talk to each other. Whereas before it was difficult to travel, now technology and internet make it much easier to communicate physically and virtually. Separated from the rest of the world by two oceans, American philosophers seem not to have been adequately attentive to the thinking going on around the world. If one's home can be a window of the world, philosophy needs to find value in everyday life and consider the social and political issues this entails.

Kihyeon Kim, Secretary General, World Congress of Philosophy Korean Organizing Committee introduced the organization of the XXIInd World Congress of Philosophy in Seoul, Korea (July 30-August 5, 2008), mentioning especially the new issue of globalization. This first World Congress of Philosophy to be held in Asia opens philosophy to a world horizon and its civilizations. Where professional philosophy thus far turned especially to the Greek tradition, globalization opens this to the new philosophical ideas and new identities of the world.

Along with the usual issues of scheduling and facilities, the organization of the current World Congress in Seoul faces that of participation from all region and hence of finances. As the important issue facing philosophers today is the crisis of humanity, it is important to revive the interest on the study of humanity itself. This calls for participation by representatives of all parts of the world's philosophical communities and societies.

Jinho Kang, Vice Secretary General of the World Congress of Philosophy Organizing Committee provided detailed concrete information on the organization of the World Congress as a platform for dialogue of philosophies: East and West, North and South. Key challenges are how to enlarge and evoke more philosophical interests on some concrete social concerns; how to apply philosophical theories to human life. The World Congress program in Seoul aims to balance different philosophical ideas, thoughts and discussions and will offer a platform for dialogue and communication. It hopes to add the rich cultures of Korean and other Asian people to the global perspectives.

Discussion ensued especially on: (a) the pattern of registrations thus far, (b) the pre-Congress Congress conference of the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (Seoul, July 27-29, 2008) on "Philosophy Emerging from Culture" (www.crvp.org), and (c) Islamic participation especially from South East Asia.

In conclusion President Abbarno extended special thanks to the speakers and especially to the Korean representatives who were thanked for their great effort to develop philosophy for global times. He offered assistance of the Conference of Philosophical Societies (CoPS) in any manner they believed would be helpful.

--Hu Yeping, Secretary, The Conference of Philosophical Societies huy@cua.edu

Concerned Philosophers for Peace

APA Central Division
Chicago, April 17, 2008
7:30-10:30 PM. Room: TBA

Chair: Harry van der Linden, Butler University

Speakers:

Jan Narveson
Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Ontario
"Security Measures: How much buck for (saving the) bang?"

Greg Moses
Independent Scholar
"Spinoza's World and M.L. King, Jr.: On the Ethics of Transforming all our Sorrows into Joys"

Tracey Nicholls
Lewis University
"Peace, Politics, and Enlightenment"

Manchester College is located in North Manchester, Indiana, about 35 miles west of Fort Wayne and 100 miles north of Indianapolis.

By air:
Fort Wayne, IN (35 miles) Airport code: FWA
South Bend, IN (76 miles) Airport code: SBN
Indianapolis, IN (115 miles) Airport code: IND
Chicago Midway (147 miles) Airport code: MDW
Chicago O’Hare (160 miles) Airport code: ORD

Free shuttles will be arranged from the airport in Fort Wayne to Manchester College. Two shuttles will run to Manchester College (one Thursday late afternoon, one Thursday evening). Shuttles will be offered to the Fort Wayne airport on Sunday after the morning conference sessions. Contact Katy Gray Brown (klgraybrown@manchester.edu) if you wish to use these shuttles.

Rental cars are available at all airports. If you are planning on renting a car and are willing to offer space for others, we encourage you to post a message on the CPP listserve (cpp@lists.sbu.edu). Note: In order to post a message, you must be a subscriber to the CPP listserver. You may subscribe to the list by sending a message to listserv@lists.sbu.edu and typing in the body of the message the words "subscribe cpp" followed by your first and last name. You will then be sent an e-mail with instructions on how to confirm your request.

Other than limited on-campus rooms, motel accommodations are not within convenient walking distance from the conference. We will help to arrange local car pools for conference participants at the beginning and end of each day, if necessary.

Free parking will be available for conference participants.

Facilities and services at Manchester College

The campus cafeteria and snack bar will be open for those who wish to eat on campus. Local restaurant information will be available upon conference arrival.

All conference activities will be in fully accessible buildings. If there are other ability accommodations that you would like, we will work to make arrangements for you. With advance notice, we will facilitate child care arrangements for those bringing children to the conference. Please contact Katy Gray Brown (klgraybrown@manchester.edu) as soon as possible with your requests.

Prices quoted for July 2007. Contact directly for current rates and availability.

Lodging in North Manchester

The Treeway Inn
(3 miles from Manchester College)
1601 St. Rd. 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962
Toll free: 1-877-982-9090
$60 + tax single, $64 + tax double; request conference rate.

Fruitt Basket Inn – bed & breakfast
(1.2 miles from Manchester College)
116 W. Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962
260-982-2443
4 rooms available on the second floor of 100 year old Victorian home. Breakfast included. Suite for $100/night: 2 rooms (one king-sized bed, one full-sized bed) with shared bath 2 rooms for $75/night each: (king-sized beds and private baths)

The Hospitality House - historic bed and breakfast
(1 mile to campus)
202 N. Walnut Street, North Manchester, IN 46962
contact: Jennifer Pattison
telephone: 260-454-0720
jeneckpat@hotmail.com or hospitalityhousebb@hotmail.com
4 distinctive rooms in Victorian hotel. Private baths, queen-sized beds, internet access, full breakfast. $75/night

On-campus dormitory housing
A limited number of rooms are available in the campus dormitories. Each room has two single beds and shares a communal washroom with the floor.
East Hall – rooms for women (6 rooms) Schwalm Hall – rooms for men (9 rooms)
$27.75 per night (per person), includes taxes, linens & towels.
Contact Katy Gray Brown at klgraybrown@manchester.edu or 260-982-5343.

Home stays for students/low-income participants
We hope to arrange lodging (a range of guest rooms, spare futons, and floor space) for those who wish. Please contact Katy Gray Brown at klgraybrown@manchester.edu or 260-982-5343 by October 15th if you would like free lodging.

Lodging near North Manchester
Huntington is just south of the route between North Manchester and the Fort Wayne airport. Warsaw lies north of North Manchester, away from the Fort Wayne airport.

Holiday Inn Express Huntington
(19.5 miles from Manchester College)
2205 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750
260-356-3434/1-888-465-4329
$79-$89 + tax/night

Super 8 Motel Huntington
(19 miles from Manchester College)
2801 Guilford Street (US 24 and Hwy 9), Huntington, IN 46750
260-358-8888
$54.00 + tax/night (request Manchester College conference rate)

Ramada Plaza Warsaw
(20 miles from Manchester College)
2519 E Center Street ( US 30 and Center St), Warsaw, IN 46580 US
Phone: 574-269-2323
$74.00 + tax (king or two doubles). Request the Manchester College rate when booking.

Call for Papers, 2007 Annual Conference

Concerned Philosophers for Peace

Nonviolence: Critiquing Assumptions, Examining Frameworks

November 1-4, 2007

Manchester College

North Manchester, IN

Many judgments regarding what is good or bad, possible or impossible, rely upon unspoken assumptions or frameworks which are used to view and evaluate events and actions. Philosophers uncover these hidden aspects of thoughts and judgments, scrutinizing them for soundness, validity, and fairness.

These assumptions and frameworks permeate the topics of violence, nonviolence, war, conflict, and reconciliation; and they influence how we address these problems and issues. This conference encourages philosophers to reflect upon these assumptions and frameworks and their effects, both in the abstract and in the concrete, and to share their insights with us.

Possible subtopics include:

• How do our current assumptions and frameworks regarding the Middle East shape our concepts of the prospects of war and peace in these areas?
• How do our assumptions and frameworks regarding poverty, wealth, race, and economy influence our understanding of the prospects for poverty eradication in North America, Africa or Latin America?
• What guiding assumptions and frameworks have led many Americans to trust military buildup, and even the use of torture, to defend the nation during the "war on terror"? What are the problems with such assumptions and frameworks? Would a different framework provide a better way of securing peace in America?
• Is peace possible? If so, how? If not, why not? Is human nature such that negative and/or positive peace is improbable if not impossible? Does national security and nation-state autonomy demand a warfare State? Does economic inequality make violence or the threat of violence inevitable?
• What kind of assumptions and frameworks would be needed in order for people to see nonviolence as a sensible approach to current day problems?

This call for examining assumptions can be used to either defend or challenge nonviolence as a guiding principle for relationships.

Conference Highlights:

Performances: Howard Zinn's "Marx in Soho" by Robert Weick

Workshops: Peace Journalism, Tom Hastings, Portland State University

Student Paper Session

Presidential Address: Barry Gan, St. Bonaventure University

Contemplative, nonviolent environs.

Abstracts (200 words) and panel proposals by September 1, 2007 to:

Katy Gray Brown Box 122
Manchester College
North Manchester, IN 46962

Or, send it by email to:
KLGrayBrown@manchester.edu
For further questions,
contact Katy Gray Brown at 260-982-5343 http://www.manchester.edu/

Sponsored by the Manchester Peace Studies Institute and the Department of Religion and Philosophy

"War is a test of might and is, therefore, inherently incapable of settling questions of right."
--Jenny Teichman, Pacifism and the Just War