Alphonso Lingis has established his work as central to contemporary philosophy in the continental tradition, carrying on the efforts of phenomenology, existentialism, and post-modern influenced investigations. But he also breaks with that tradition by showing how it contains many blind prejudices that misunderstand and ignore the experiences and understandings of other cultures and traditions. Also, Lingis, more than any other mature philosopher has integrated philosophical thought and performance, a not accidental association. Thus, certain of his presentations have achieved for him a certain cult status. Are these two tracks compatible? Is what Lingis does still philosophy? Is it possible to both work from within and undermine a tradition at the same time? Are reveries based on exotic experiences of sensuality, sentiment, or powerful emotions appropriate or legitimate sources for philosophical reflections? Does writing beautifully qualify (or disqualify) a text as a work of philosophy? We invite papers on these and other questions focused on the Work of Alphonso Lingis.
Papers should take approximately 40 minutes reading time (approximately 14 double-spaced pages). A separate cover sheet with the author’s name, address, affiliation, e-mail address, and telephone number should accompany each paper. To meet submission deadline, papers or abstracts must be postmarked, or e-mailed by September 1st. Papers will be selected through blind review. Because this is an event attended primarily by undergraduate students, speakers are requested to consider their audience as they prepare their presentation.
Please send papers (or abstracts of approximately 350 words) to:
Dr. Stephen Scales
sscales@towson.edu