Philosophy and political science graduate students have three more weeks to submit papers for a spring conference hosted by the Marquette University Philosophy Graduate Student Association.
According to second-year graduate student Carrie Peffley, member of the PGSA's conference committee, graduate students from Marquette and across the country are invited to submit their papers about the concept of the "common good" by March 12.
Graduate student Michael Jordan, another member of the PGSA's conference committee, said there are two definitions of the conference's topic.
"A rough definition of the common good is where the interests of an individual are consistent with the welfare of the whole population," Jordan said. "With an ethical aspect, the common good is a betterment and flourishing of all people within a society."
Peffley said the topic was chosen because of its general nature, where students may explore themes of pluralism, environmental responsibility and liberty, and because it allows both philosophy and political science students to participate.
Jordan said the conference will discuss the ideal scenario for the welfare of American society with the nation's current type of political regime.
"The Philosophy of the Common Good" conference, which will take place April 17-18 in David Straz Hall 105, will feature two keynote speakers as well as student presentations.
Philosophy professors John Kekes of the State University of New York at Albany and Philip Devine of Providence College in Rhode Island will speak, Peffley said.
Kekes, who is retired and a widely- known political philosopher, will give a presentation called "Conservatism and the Common Good," Jordan said.
Conservatism does not refer to political ideology, Jordan said, but is an acceptance of the current political regime, provided some fundamental rights are guaranteed and safeguarded.
Devine, a Catholic philosopher, will give a presentation about the belief that there is a need for something unchallengeable to contain the chaos-inducing diversity of human beings called "Diversity and the Sacred," Jordan said.
The conference, which does not have a time scheduled yet, is a yearly endeavor by the PGSA to bring graduate students to Marquette from across the nation as well as to give all students experience in presenting their work at a conference, Jordan said.
Peffley said approximately 15 papers have been submitted and said that is about how many the conference committee will select for presentation. She said she hoped for more submissions to increase the quality of the selected papers.
Students will be given 25 to 30 minutes to present their paper, with time to read the paper and take audience questions, Peffley said. She said there will be one keynote speaker each night, and the speaker and those in attendance will be invited to dinner at a local restaurant following each day's conclusion.
Peffley said the Marquette community is welcome to attend the conference and invitations have been sent to colleges both in Wisconsin and surrounding areas.
According to Jordan, papers must deal with a topic related to the common good and should fall within the 10- to 15- page range. Papers must be suitable for blind review. Students may turn their papers in to the PGSA slot in Coughlin Hall 132 or e-mail them to [email protected] or [email protected].