CFP: Inter-American Journal of Philosophy

Call for Papers:

Inter-American Journal of Philosophy

IJP seeks to publish articles that focus on past, present and possible future philosophical connections between philosophers and philosophic traditions in different parts of the Americas. For its first issues, IJP is calling for papers on the following topics: 

(1) North American and Latin American Philosophy: the mutual influence of philosophy done in the north and south of the continent, or a fruitful comparison of the philosophical insights of prominent philosophers on both sides. 

(2) Latin American Philosophers on Past and Present Philosophical Traditions: examination and elaboration of the important contributions of philosophers in Latin America to past and present problems in the Analytic and Continental traditions.

(3) Philosophers on the common ideals and common socio-political problems of the Americas.

(a) Democracy: its Nature and its Problems in the Americas

Evaluation of arguments and intellectual tools used by philosophers in the Americas to think and ameliorate the past and present problems that we share as a continent and in light of Democracy as our common ideal. Prominent philosophers across the Americas have agreed that the common threats to democracy are the erosion of communal values and public discourse, poverty, injustice (in the treatment of indigenous populations and immigrants), ignorance, and the lack of civic responsibility. Moreover, philosophers from the Americas have shared a common conception of democracy. For instance, Antonio Caso and John Dewey both conceived of democracy as “a way of life” and not just as a political system.

Are the similarities between American philosophers regarding democratic values worthy of philosophical inquiry? Is there much that the Americas can learn from each other in light of the problems they have encountered in trying to encourage and maintain a democratic way of life. For example: How do our education systems compare with respect to the cultivation of democratic values and virtues? What reforms have been effective? 

(b) How can philosophy contribute to the amelioration of the common problems of North and South America? Examples of these problems are:

1. Immigration, Borders and Human Rights.

2. Drug trafficking and the legal regulation of private practices.

3. Indigenous People, Democracy and the Social Compact.

4. Management and Protection of Natural Resources in the Americas.

(4) Philosophical ideas and debates about the identity of the Americas and their ideal relationship:

This has been the concern of writers and intellectuals in the continent since the 20th century. Some have argued that the cultural and value differences between the Americas is such that one should not be emulating or admiring the other. On the other hand, others have argued that the differences are complementary, and that in order to identify and ameliorate common problems we must eliminate illusory antagonism and prejudices and theorize a more inclusive sense of belonging. 

(5) Philosophy of technology and science: 

The gap or differences in regard to advances in the development of technology and the sciences between the Americas can be the subject of philosophical inquiry. Beyond the socio-economical and historical reasons for these differences, are there substantial differences between the USA and Latin American cultures in regard to the proper function of technology in human life? Are there conflicting views of human nature and human flourishing that underline cultural differences in regard to the value of technology?

(6) Environmental Ethics:

The administration of protection of the natural resources in the Americas.