Society for Philosophy of Science in Practice (SPSP) Sixth Conference

17–19 June 2016

Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Call for papers

Abstract submission deadline: 4 January 2016
Notification of acceptance: 1 March 2016

Main contact: Joe Rouse, jrouse@wesleyan.edu

The Society for Philosophy of Science in Practice (SPSP) is an interdisciplinary community of scholars who approach the philosophy of science with a focus on scientific practice and the practical uses of scientific knowledge. For further details on our objectives, see our mission statement on our website at http://www.philosophy-science-practice.org/en/mission-statement/.

The SPSP conferences provide a broad forum for scholars committed to making detailed and systematic studies of scientific practices — neither dismissing concerns about truth and rationality, nor ignoring contextual and pragmatic factors. The conferences aim at cutting through traditional disciplinary barriers and developing novel approaches. We welcome contributions from not only philosophers of science, but also philosophers working in epistemology and ethics, as well as the philosophy of engineering, technology, medicine, agriculture, and other practical fields. Additionally, we welcome contributions from historians and sociologists of science, pure and applied scientists, and any others with an interest in philosophical questions regarding scientific practice.

We welcome both proposals for individual papers, and also strongly encourage proposals for whole, thematic sessions with coordinated papers, particularly those which include multiple disciplinary perspectives and/or input from scientific practitioners. You may wish to involve other members of SPSP (a listing is available on our website) or post a notice to the SPSP mailing list describing your area of interest and seeking other possible participants for a session proposal. (To post to this list or to receive updates on the conference, please subscribe via http://www.philosophy-science-practice.org/en/mailing-list/.

Individual paper proposals must include a title and an abstract of 500 words, and full affiliation details and contact information for the author(s)/speaker(s).
Session/symposia proposals must include an overall title for the session, a 250–500 words abstract of the session, and a 500-word abstract for each paper (or an equivalent amount of depth and detail, if the format of the proposed session is a less traditional one), and full affiliation details and contact information for each contributor. Session proposals should be submitted as a group by the organizer of the session; typically 3 standard length or 4 shorter papers can be accommodated within our usual session formats.

We welcome less traditional formats too, including panel discussions and author-meet-critics sessions, as long as they explicitly target a broad issue or specific idea as the core of the discussion (rather than ad hominem arguments), are firmly committed to collegial and non-adversarial exchange, and explain why that issue or idea is relevant to SPSP interests. Individuals should only appear on the programme once as presenters, and one additional time in another role (e.g., commentator, chair, or co-author). If in doubt, please contact the organizers in advance about your anticipated submissions.