conference(s)

The weakening of the historical forces of secularization has become increasingly apparent in the last several decades. In the West, a renewed interest in religion in the political sphere, as well as mounting criticisms to the Enlightenment project (in general) and secularization (in particular), have led to the desire to reexamine the ends of secular society. This tension is no less diminished when turning to the political relationship between the West and the rest of the world. What then is the task of secularization in contemporary society? Has secularization come to an end? Has it fulfilled its task? Or is it a dead end? What is the relationship between philosophical and secular thought? Must one reconsider philosophy itself in such a scenario, and if so, what resources are available for this task? These questions are especially pressing for young philosophers writing and thinking in a world both shaped by, and responding to, the modern Enlightenment project of secularization, once considered a necessary, world-historical force, and now recognized as potentially one more cherished ‘article of faith’ of Western society.

The upcoming event will be a three day (April 12-14, 2007) collaboration between the philosophical graduate student organizations of Fordham University and the University of Antwerp. To facilitate the dual task of assessing philosophical resources and developing new ways of thinking, the congress will have two main components: seminars centered on the philosophical tradition and a conference comprised of seven papers directly confronting the challenge of assessing the end(s) of secular society.

Organizing Committee
Kem Crimmins, Herbert De Vriese, Gary Gabor,
Anne Ozar, Adam Wood

For complete schedule, click here.
Register here.

Past Conference(s)

"The Reason of Terror: Philosophical Responses to Terrorism"
March 17-19, 2005
University of Antwerp

What is the task of philosophy in an age of terror? Must philosophy be rethought, and if so, what resources are available? These questions are especially pressing for young philosophers whose foreseeable future will be shaped by a world no longer marked by the relative stability of identifiable states pitted against another. An asymmetrical world political situation requires new ways of thinking that look beyond deep-seated philosophical convictions.

Organizing Committee
Michael Baur, Arthur Cools, Kem Crimmins, Herbert De Vriese, Peter Reynaert, Fernand Tanghe, Petra Van Bradant, Geert Van Eekert

For the complete schedule, click here.