29-30 August 2008
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Department of Philosophy - ILLC Universiteit van Amsterdam 29 & 30 August 2008 Graduate Philosophy Conference on Normativity *** Call for Abstracts *** It has been strongly argued that human rationality, language, and meaning are intrinsically normative, and that as such they cannot be described in purely naturalistic terms. But how are we to conceive of normativity? Taking this question as our starting point, we are interested in bringing together young researchers who are working towards a model that helps explain the nature of norms underlying human cognition and (linguistic) behaviour. We invite papers on a broad range on topics relating to this theme. Contributions may concern - but need not be limited to - the following questions: - What is normativity and what are its sources? - How do norms differ from causes? - How relevant is normativity in accounting for meaning in natural language? - What is the nature of norms in human reasoning and decision-making and how do they bind us? - How do social practices and individual factors determine or constrain norms underlying human reasoning? - What is the normative force of conventions in communication? *** Invited speakers *** We are happy to announce that the conference's two confirmed keynote speakers are: - James O'Shea (University College Dublin) - Allan Gibbard (University of Michigan) *** Submission Information *** Please submit an extended 2-page abstract (800 words including references) using the on-line submission form by June 15. Eligible candidates for submission are graduate students and those who have completed their doctoral dissertation within the last five years. Each presentation will be allotted a 40 minute time slot, which includes a short commentary and discussion. Candidates will be notified by June 25 whether their paper has been accepted for presentation. Speakers will have the chance to send a revised version of their abstracts for publication in the conference book of abstracts. For further information, you can visit the conference website at: http://www.illc.uva.nl/normativity/ or contact: normativity@science.uva.nl. *** Sponsors *** The conference is sponsored by the ILLC, Research Training Site GLoRiClass, NWO-Project "The Origins of Truth, and the Origins of the Sentence", Gesellschaft fr Analytische Philosophie, Leerstoelgroep Logica en Taalwetenschap of the Universiteit van Amsterdam.