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Invitation to an International conference
Philosophy, Tradition and Progress in Africa
with
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
November
12-13, 2012
Theme
Tradition is often conceived of as
a dead and deadening repetition of the past. In fact, however,
it is rather the passing on of the learning from the past. This
is done primarily in the family as at each generation the
parents assess the present situation and select from what had
been learned in the past that which promises to be life giving
for their children. At each generation then the tradition is
tested and adapted; what perdures through many generations bears
the cumulative wisdom of a people.
At some points the process of
change becomes more rapid and far reaching, as at a point of
colonization and perhaps especially with a war of liberation
therefrom. At that point crisis can mean not only a break with
the past but a commitment to new values and an impetus to new
life.
Here the work of philosophy becomes
especially important. It is needed in order to reach back to the
much earlier wisdom of the people. But it must do this in ways
that point, not back, but forward to encountering the challenges
that lie ahead.
With these concerns in mind this
conference will have the following subthemes:
1. Philosophical Hermeneutics of
Tradition and Progress
2. Africa and Its Rights to
Development: Economic, Social and Spiritual
3. Ethics and Crises in Africa
4. Morality, Heroism and the War of
Liberation
5. The Code of Conduct and
Zimbabwe’s War of Liberation
Logistics
Papers are invited on these and
related themes and should be as substantive as possible. There
is no upper page limit for the publication, but presentations
should be 20 minutes in length followed by open discussion.
Abstracts are due September 15, 2012; papers are due October 20,
2012.
For information contact:
Professor Francis Mabiri
Department of Philosophy
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
fmabiri@yahoo.com
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