CALL FOR PAPERS: Conference on Medieval Islamic and Jewish Philosophy

Call for Abstracts:

Medieval Islamic and Jewish Philosophy

Conference at the University of Illinois at Chicago

March 7-8, 2022 **NEW DATE**

Keynote Speakers:

• Sari Nusseibeh, Professor of Philosophy and former President, Al-Quds University
• Sarah Stroumsa, Alice and Jack Ormut Professor of Arabic Studies, Hebrew University

General Description:

Medieval Jewish philosophy was intertwined with Islamic philosophy, and thinkers in the two traditions shared interests and challenges.  A rootedness in Greek antiquity, an attempt to work out the metaphysical implications of monotheism, a fascination with Aristotle, and a concern for the place of law in religious commitment belong prominently among their many shared interests.  A running critique by co-religionists who regarded ancient Greek philosophy as inimical to their religious tradition belongs prominently among their shared challenges.  The Jewish-Muslim Initiative at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) proposes a conference to explore these topics, and to consider whether these medieval thinkers can continue to illuminate Judaism and Islam today.  We welcome papers from philosophers, historians and theologians, at all stages of their careers;  we would particularly like to include some graduate students.

Logistics:

The conference will be held at the campus of UIC on March 7-8, 2022.  There will be 10 or 11 spots for submitted papers. All papers will have about 30 minutes for presentation and 30 minutes for discussion.

Themes:

Papers comparing specific Jewish and Muslim figures are welcome, as are papers on general philosophical or theological themes that appear in both Jewish and Muslim thought, or papers on the historical context for the intellectual encounter of Jews and Muslims in the medieval period.  We welcome in addition scholars interested in pursuing how the resources of Jewish and Muslim medieval thought, or the encounter between Jews and Muslims in that period, can be used to address philosophical and theological concerns in the present day.

Applying:

Those interested in participating should submit an abstract of 500-750 words and a current C.V. to Junaid Quadri (jquadri@uic.edu) or Sam Fleischacker (fleischert@sbcglobal.net) by October 15. Word or PDF file formats only. Please prepare abstracts for anonymous review.

Notification will be made by November 15 at the latest. If your abstract is selected, we will cover your accommodation and meals at the conference.  We expect also to be able to cover travel expenses for 2 or 3 participants (graduate students will be favored for this.)