Thematic Description
Multiculturality can
be understood as a phenomenon that positively values the
presence of diverse cultures within a state or region,
attributing significance to a type of pluralism that
prevents the dominance of certain cultures over others. In
this context, multiculturality serves as an alternative to
the homogenization tendencies induced by globalization. As a
concept, multiculturalism allows for the exploration of
various social groups’ cultures (such as women, linguistic
minorities, youth subcultures, religious confessions, etc.)
as well as of the cultures of immigration and ethnic
minorities, thereby facilitating a better expression of
their identities based on the principle of mutual social
acceptance.
Morality pertains to
a framework of thoughts and actions that guide individual
and group life. It can be a code of norms, or a list of
values, or a particular vision of nature, or a justification
for certain frameworks. Morality concerns about what is
considered good or bad. In terms of religious understanding,
for instance, biblical norms for Christians are moral. While
ethical theories constitute concepts, propositions,
principles of moral attitudes that have been developed
throughout the human history.
Public affairs involve
efforts to manage relationships among public institutions so
as to influence public policy and shape public perception.
This includes governmental relationships, media
communications, and the building of bridges to foster mutual
understanding in the broader public and political landscape.
Its primary goal is to influence public policies, public
opinions, legal and media organizations through proper
communication in order to promote general interest and the
common good.
Contemporary society has been shaped by
diverse cultural traditions, religions, and various
political and socio-economic systems, etc. These elements
have significantly contributed to the transmission of ideas,
enriching the multicultural aspect of contemporary life and
fostering mutual understanding among diverse communities.
Through history, multicultural dialogue enhanced by
scientific and philosophical ideas has enabled significant
progresses in fields of mathematics, medicine, astronomy,
and technology across the world. In recent decades, digital
advancements have not only increased the speed of
communication but also revolutionized all aspects of human
life.
This pluralistic and interdisciplinary
forum aims at exploring questions regarding how
philosophical ideas, shaped by local contexts, transcend
cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries. It
intends (1) to understand how philosophical concepts or
schools of thought can influence societies in the process of
social progress; (2) to highlight the new paths generated by
scientific discoveries and technological innovation; (3) to
comprehend the meaning of morality in culture and public
life; (4) to tackle the challenges that are brought about by
the digital age.
Our contemporary digital age requires new
ideas and insights to better understand the dynamic and
challenges of new socio-political, moral, cultural, and
religious situations. The constructive contributions of
multiculturalism, morality, and public life can strengthen
the social fabric and create a more inclusive future
society. People may ask: What challenges does the digital
age bring to these areas of interest? How has scientific
progress changed the way people think and act? What are the
fundamental ideas that govern our life and society? Can the
digital age change these ideas? What are the similarities
and differences in terms of mentalities, attitudes, or
values throughout various transformative periods in human
history?
This forum would like
to invite scholars and
thinkers who are interested in the following themes:
- Dialogue
among cultures and religions in the transmission of
philosophical ideas and ethical theories.
- Morality
as a framework of values and norms that shape individuals
and communities.
- New challenges generated
by the 20th-century scientific progress and the 21st-century
technological revolution.
- Socio-political issues
arising from new scientific discoveries and information
explosions.
- The
impact of media and technology on the dissemination of
philosophical ideas and education.
Abstract
Participants are kindly asked to submit their abstract
of 300-500 words and a brief professional bio (in Microsoft
Word or PDF) to the organizers by April 30, 2026. Questions
and clarifications can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Mihaela Pop
(mihaela.pop@filosofie.unibuc.ro; pop.mihaela.a@gmail.com) and
Dr. Oana Serban (oana.serban@filosofie.unibuc.ro),
as well as (cua-rvp@cua.edu).
The results of the evaluation will be known by May 15,
2026. The conference will be held in English.
Well-developed, qualitative papers will be published by the
Council for Research in Values and Philosophy in its
publication series “Cultural Heritage and Contemporary
Changes.”
Logistics
There will be no registration fee.
Conference participants will cover their own costs
of travels. For accommodation
costs and additional information, please
contact local organizers.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Mihaela Pop
Professor Emerita
Faculty of Philosophy
University of Bucharest
mihaela.pop@filosofie.unibuc.ro; pop.mihaela.a@gmail.com
and
Dr. Oana Serban
Lecturer
Faculty of Philosophy
University of Bucharest
oana.serban@filosofie.unibuc.ro
