Our contemporary world is plagued by complex social, political, and economic problems. Although philosophers once directly addressed the major issues of their day, philosophy nowadays is often perceived as an exercise in abstract reflection that abstains from the complexities of the real world. In stark contrast to this received idea, this conference aims to reinvigorate the notion of philosophy as an engaged endeavor to tackle the problems of our time and culture. This conference, to begin with, will explore the conceptual differences between engaged and applied philosophy. Participants in this conference will, moreover, consider the role that philosophers should play in the modern world, as well as the place of philosophy in contemporary scientific discourse.

Guest Lecturer:

Jonathan Wolff, Alfred Landecker Professor of Values and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University