cfp.english.upenn.edu

Kuwait March 6-8 2011
http://conferences.gust.edu.kw

Centralization and over-professionalization can lead to the disappearance of a critical environment capable of linking the discipline to the “real world.” The humanities need to operate in a concrete cultural environment able to influence procedures on a hic et nunc basis and should not entirely depend on normative criteria whose function is often to hide ignorance behind a pretentious veil of value-neutral objectivity.
For example, in sociology the growth of scientism has fragmented ethical categories and distorted discourse between inner and outer selves, while philosophy is suffering from an empty professionalism current in many philosophy departments in industrialized and developing countries where boring, ahistorical, and nonpolitical exercises are justified through appeals to false excellence.
In all branches of the humanities absurd evaluation processes foster similar tendencies as they create a sterile atmosphere and prevent interdisciplinarity and creativity. An invidious technicization of theory plays into the hands of technocrats. Due to the centralization of editorial power in the grip of large university presses of Anglophone countries, the content, quality, and range of modern publishing has become only too predictable.
How do people working in the humanities respond to the crisis in their respective disciplines? Papers including either meta-scientific considerations or concrete observations are welcome.

Submissions:
A 400 word abstract along with a short biographical note (max. 100 words) should be submitted by using this Conference Website. Create an author account and paste both abstract and bio-note into the body of the text.
For all inquiries contact Ayman Bakr bakr.a@gust.edu.kw or Thorsten Botz-Bornstein Botz.T@gust.edu.kw

Deadline for abstracts: November 30, 2010

Papers should not exceed 3000 words (20 minutes reading time). For more information contact the above persons.

Conference fee: Early bird (until December 15) 50 KD [€130] covering the costs of a opening reception, a conference dinner, and refreshments. After December 15: 60 KD [€155].