Call for Papers: Illinois State University Undergraduate Philosophy Conference

Illinois State University Department of Philosophy
Undergraduate Philosophy Conference April 25 & 26, 2014

Conference Theme:  Friends and Family: Do we owe everyone equal treatment?

According to one line of thought, morality requires that we treat others impartially and that our own individual projects, commitments and attachments have little moral value. Our obligation towards strangers, therefore, should be similar to those towards friends and family, for the particular relationship that we might have towards those close to us has negligible moral relevance. One might object to this line of thought, however, on the grounds that these projects and commitments are often essential to giving life value, and the impartiality required is overly-demanding. Alternatively one might contend that the senti- ments and attachments that we have for those close to us are essential for the development of moral character, or one might argue that morality must be contextual and relational, and thus must take into account the importance of the context and relationship that we have with others.

Keynote Speaker:
Julia Driver, PhD / Department of Philosophy / Washington University St. Louis

Requirements for paper submissions:

• Papers on any philosophical topic are welcome although we are particularly interested in receiving papers that are connected to the con- ference theme: Friends and family: Do we owe everyone equal treatment?
• Papers should be between 2500 and 3000 words and should be prepared for blind review. Please submit the paper along with a cover page including author information, institutional affiliation, and a 250-word abstract to UPhilosophyC1@ilstu.edu.
• The deadline for receipt of papers is February 1, 2014.
• Acceptances will be announced by March 1, 2014.

Travel and Accommodation:
A limited amount of funds are available to help subsidize the costs of travel and accommodation for undergraduate students.