Conference on the Philosophy of Need
- Royal Institute of Philosophy Conference
26-28 September 2003, Durham
The Philosophy of Need
Speakers:
-
David Wiggins
Gillian Brock
Sabina Alkire
David Braybrooke
Jonathan Lowe
John O’Neill
Christopher Rowe
Garrett Thomson
Bill Wringe
Lawrence Hamilton
Rita Alfonso
Sarah Miller
The concept of need plays a significant but relatively unexplored role in philosophy. In ethics, questions include what needs are, whether and how they are normative, and how they are related to other states like desires,
preferences, interests and capabilities. In logic and metaphysics, an analysis of the concept of need may assist in the explication of logical and metaphysical necessity. In political philosophy, the question of whether needs-meeting is the proper goal of distributive policy remains unresolved. The aim of this conference is to increase our understanding of the role the concept plays in each area, and to see how these different areas are connected.
Papers will be presented in themed sessions including: the indispensability of need, the politics of need, the logic and metaphysics of need, need in ancient and modern philosophy, and need among thin moral concepts. The programme will provide time for workshops, private discussions, and exploring Durham, which is a beautiful small city in the north east of England, with a magnificent Norman cathedral, meandering River Wear, and historically important Castle. The conference will be held at Hatfield, ne of the older colleges on the peninsula. There will be a drinks reception and conference dinner on Friday 26th September.
Registration
Registration (includes tea/coffee and set of papers):
£50 (Academic)
£20 (Student/unemployed)
Accommodation and meals at Hatfield College (includes accommodation on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, conference dinner with wine on Friday, and dinner on Saturday):
£100 (en-suite if available: add £15)
Accommodation on Sunday night:
£25
Subsidies are available for graduate students, and may be available to others without institutional support. Support for those needing to arrange dependents’ care may be available, and wheelchair access can be arranged. Registration by e-mail is preferred. Please write to:
c.s.reader@durham.ac.uk giving details of your requirements, and including any subsidy request. Please then send payment (cheques payable to: Durham Philosophy Conference) by letter including printout of e-mail registration to:
Dr Soran Reader
Department of Philosophy
University of Durham
50 Old Elvet
Durham
DH1 3HN
PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH 2003.