Illinois State University will host its first Undergraduate Philosophy Conference April 25–26, 2014.
The theme of the conference is “Friends and Family: Do We Owe Everyone Equal Treatment?” The keynote speaker will be Philosophy Professor Julia Driver, Ph.D., of Washington University in St. Louis.
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 toward strangers, therefore, should be similar to those toward friends and family, for the particular relationship that we might have toward 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 sentiments 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.
Call for papers
Papers on any philosophical topic are welcome, although we are particularly interested in receiving papers that are connected to the conference theme?
• Papers should be between 2,500 and 3,000 words and should be prepared for blind review. Please submit the paper along with a cover page with 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.
