The formation of states, violent revolutions, and peaceful elections all show power’s influence on human events. Philosophers traditionally have examined the dynamics of power as part of understanding social and political affairs. Other thinkers have called our attention to power as a hidden force in human life. Beyond government and politics, they argue, power quietly determines social institutions and culture – even knowledge itself.
What is the fundamental meaning of power? How is it structured and what is its mode of operation? What moral responsibility do we have with respect to the powerful and the powerless?
We invite papers that consider how these and other questions concerning power have been addressed in the history of philosophy as well as what contemporary philosophy can contribute to the discussion.
Please submit papers (maximum 4000 words) to philgrad@bc. edu by January 19, 2010.
The Graduate Conference Committee
Philosophy Department
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3806
Email: philgrad@bc. edu