WebsterPhilosophy

Do I have to be a philosophy major?

Nope. Ideas come to everyone, and sharing ideas is what this conference is all about. Students who are not majors or minors but who enjoy philosophical thinking in related disciplines, e.g. History, Sociology, Anthropology, Art, Psychology, International Human Rights, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Political Science, English, etc., are strongly encouraged to submit papers. Unsure about whether your paper is philosophical? Feel free to reach out to: submit@websterphilosophyconference.com

Why should I submit a paper?

• It’s a great opportunity to share your ideas and get feedback in a supportive environment
• It’s an impressive accomplishment to list on your resumé or C.V.
• It looks great on graduate school, law school, or medical school applications
• It can help you become a better writer and public speaker
• It can help prepare you for talking to potential employers about your ideas

What’s expected in a philosophy paper?

This page has some helpful hints.

• Your thesis should indicate your position, or what you plan to argue, not merely the general topic you plan to discuss.
• Try to avoid asking a question in order to make a point. When you ask, for example, “Why could it not be the case that X?” you have not yet established that X is the case.
• Throughout, or toward the end of your paper, consider, and then respond to, possible objections and alternatives to your argument.
• For the sake of inclusivity, please use gender neutral language and situate yourself as an author. You are encouraged to use “I” in order to clarify what you believe and to convince your readers of your beliefs.

Who will review my paper?

Submissions will be reviewed by undergraduate Webster University Philosophy majors

What is a panel?

A panel presentation consists of a small group of people (typically 3-4) gathered to share a variety of perspectives on a topic. We will try to organize panels that allow the ideas of the contributing students to connect with one another whether as mutual support, antitheses, alternate perspectives, or interdisciplinary allies.

What is the conference setting like?

• Students will be introduced by their peers, present their work for about 5 minutes, and then the audience and other panelists will ask questions and engage in discussion
• The conference aims to foster curiosity and to promote the exchange of ideas in a safe and supportive environment
• The conference will be entirely virtual for 2021

What are the guidelines for paper submissions?

• Proposals should be submitted no later than Sunday, March 28, 2021 to: submit@websterphilosophyconference.com
• Papers should be 7-10 pages long (double-spaced, 12-point font).
  
• Papers can be on any philosophical topic and may have been submitted for a previous class assignment
• Submissions should be anonymous: emails should contain the applicant’s name and the title of the paper, but no names or identifying information should be included on the attached paper itself (please be sure your name is not listed in the header either)
• Attachments should be in .pdf or.doc format (ideally)