[Knowledgelab-Ireland] CFP - transformation and the dynamics of radical change

[Laurence Cox]

- apologies for crossposting -

Hi,

This might be of interest to some listmembers. More details available at 
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPoliticsInternationalStudiesandPhilosophy/Events/Transformations#d.en.94863


Transformation and the Dynamics of (Radical) Change
Transformation and the Dynamics of (Radical) Change: Insights from 
Political Theory and Philosophy
Conference Hosted by
School of Politics, International Studies & Philosophy
Queen’s University Belfast
Northern Ireland
28th-29th November 2008

The Subject:
Transformation is a seemingly ubiquitous concept within the field of 
political theory and philosophy. Whilst some idealize transformation as a 
source for progress and the improvement of the human condition, others 
frame it as a disruptive and unsettling process which can damage the 
social, political and natural elements of our world.

However, although specific instances of transformation (such as the 
transformation of states or of ideologies) receive attention within broader 
political theories, the concept itself remains a ‘black box’: an axiom that 
is used frequently and in diverse ways, but lacks a background discourse to 
ground its value and meaning. The purpose of this conference will be to 
stimulate such a discourse, by posing the following core questions:

o What does ‘transformation’ mean in the context of political theory and 
philosophy?
o How is the concept used, and for what reasons?
o What are the normative implications of the process of transformation?
o In what fields or areas of inquiry is the concept most significant? Why? 
Is it inappropriate in some fields?
o Where should a critique of the concept begin? What should it entail?

All participants will be asked to orient their paper towards one, or more, 
of these questions. However, it is hoped that submissions from a variety of 
disciplinary approaches, schools of thought and research areas will be 
received. Submissions on the following themes will be especially welcome:
1) Factors and actors in transformation:
Pluralism, nationalism, individualism, collectivism, recognition, complexity.
2) Forces of transformation:
Globalization, economic change, social change, processes, transformation in 
(and of) history, conflict.
3) Objects and subjects of transformation:
a) ideas, norms, values, ideology; the concept of transformation itself
b) state and sovereignty; government; governance; social structures and 
processes
c) environment and nature
d) human beings (including the self)
4) evaluations of transformation: theories, approaches, critiques and the 
possibility of a broader discourse on transformation

Keynote Speakers:
The organizers are pleased to announce that two keynote speakers have 
already confirmed attendance, while a third keynote has yet to be confirmed.
Alan Carter (University of Glasgow) is going to speak on Beyond Primacy: 
Marxism, Anarchism and Radical Green Political Theory.
Shane O'Neill (Queen's University Belfast)

Submitting a paper:
The conference is open to academics and postgraduates working in political 
theory and philosophy, as well as in any related field, in which the issue 
of transformation and the dynamics of (radical) change are of importance, 
such as literary theory, history, economics and social theory. If you would 
like to give a paper, please submit a title and abstract (200-300 words) 
together with details about your institutional affiliation to 
transformations at qub.ac.uk by June 15th 2008 (get the full Call for Papers 
here).
Deadline for submission of paper proposal: 15th June 2008
Paper acceptance notification: 15th July 2008
Registration Deadline: 31st August 2008

Registration:
Should your paper proposal be accepted it is very important that you 
register before the deadline (31 August 2008), as we will otherwise have to 
remove you from the programme. The registration fee will be £30 for 
academics and £10 for postgraduates. Moreover, a limited amount of travel 
bursaries for postgraduate students will be made available, depending on 
need and availability. For further information, please contact the 
organizers at transformations at qub.ac.uk

Travel and Accommodation:
Further information on travelling to the University is available here and 
advice on accommodation is available here. The conference programme will be 
available shortly.

Organizing Committee:
Audra Mitchell, Gavin Kerr, Fabian Schuppert.
Keith Breen and Shane O'Neill, Vincent Geoghegan (advisory members)

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