2012 Conference

Call for Papers
Conference Poster

Reason, Power, and History

The Philosophical Foundations of Critical Theory

Keynote Speaker: Amy Allen, Dartmouth college

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

March 30 – 31, 2011

Critical Theory stands at the intersection of philosophy and the social sciences, and its concern with reason, power, and history has made it a versatile theoretical tool for both social and scientific inquiry. Since its inception in the 20th Century with the Frankfurt School, Critical Theory has developed a rich and complex relationship with the Western philosophical tradition, constantly reshaping its own relation to it and reevaluating the discourses of history, reason and power from which it emerged.

This genealogy compels us to inquire into the history of the concepts and methodology of Critical Theory even as we engage in its practice. This conference aims to promote such inquiry through the engagement of questions such as: How do we understand the methodological significance of Critical Theory for the social sciences and philosophy? What are the implications of Critical Theory for discourses concerned with reason, power, and history? What is the genealogy and history of critical theory’s central concepts? How does Critical Theory allow us to investigate the intersections and divergences of reason, power, and history?

Papers from all philosophical perspectives are encouraged. Papers should be sent as .pdf, .docx, .doc, or .rtf files, and should not exceed 15 double-spaced pages. Papers should be submitted prepared for blind review, with all personal information included in the body of the e-mail and not in the document itself. E-mail submissions to Rebekah Spera at: rspera [at] emory [dot] edu.

Submission Deadline: February 25, 2012