CFP: SEAC 14th International Conference

I pass this on, since I know that the organizers are very open to papers and themes drawing on Chinese/comparative philosophy…

Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum (SEAC) 14th International Conference (October 4 – October 6, 2012; Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI)

THEME: “The Art of Morality: Developing Moral Sensitivity Across the Curriculum”

Keynote Speaker: Patricia Churchland

Directors: Peggy Vandenberg (Grand Valley State University) & Deborah Mower (Youngstown State University)

This year’s theme is chosen in part because the dates of the conference correspond to the ARTPRIZE event in Grand Rapids which is an international art competition that brings 1200+ pieces of art to our city. The streets and parks are alive with art sculptures, performances, paintings and photography, and museums offer free admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Because different fields such as medicine, business, law, social work, journalism, etc. vary in the kinds of social relations and engagements between professionals and their clients, developing moral sensitivity within each field may be something unique and akin to learning an art form. Being perceptive and empathetic to the needs of others and the moral demands of a situation are important skills for moral action and essential for personal development. How we are to teach students to engage in moral actions and to develop necessary sympathies, perceptual abilities, and reasoning skills are pressing questions. In terms of content and theory, what are we to teach our students across the curriculum? What content in our classrooms serves to develop moral sensitivity as a personal matter, and what is the relationship between moral sensitivity and reasoning? In terms of practice, how do we teach them? What specific exercises, strategies, service learning projects, or artistic media develop moral sensitivity, and are the practices akin to an art form or easily applicable across the curriculum?

Although the theme of the conference highlights the art of morality across the curriculum, submissions are not limited to the conference theme. Submissions (papers, abstracts or panel proposals) should be formatted for blind review and sent by July 30, 2012 to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Society, Donna Werner or by hard copy to Dr. Peggy Vandenberg, Philosophy Department, B-3 205 MAK, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, Phone: 616 331 2496.

The Society publishes Teaching Ethics, and conference papers may be considered for publication in that journal or in a possible anthology.

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