November 11th-14th, 2010
University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.

Virginia Held
Enrique Dussel
Bat-Ami Bar On
Charles W Mills
Naomi Zack

With the US engaged in imperial wars around the globe and amidst the collapse of the most recent mode of global capitalism, we at the Radical Philosophy Association have found reflection on violence both timely and imperative. The theme for our upcoming Ninth Biennial Conference will, therefore, be "Violence: Systemic, Symbolic, and Foundational". Unmistakably, violence shapes our social world. Oppressive systems are founded in and maintained through violent action. Capitalism demands and enforces conditions of starvation, brutalization, and alienated experience. Patriarchy thrives on the threat and reality of physical and sexual assault and pervasive psychological debasement. Racist and colonial structures demand occupation, enslavement, and incarceration. The systemic violence of capitalism permeates quotidian existence to such a degree that we are inured to its effects and only become aware of it when we are awakened to it by the exceptional violence of state terror or the terrorism of the powerless.

Violence penetrates deeply into our contemporary consciousness and it permeates our everyday experience. From 'torture flicks' to 'first-person shooter' video games, from sexual fantasies to nightmares, our psychology is informed by violence. Further, many believe that violence is the only or most effective means of overcoming the systems and oppositions that shape our social world. From reactionary violence perpetrated in the name of religious and ethnic identity to liberatory violence undertaken with the intent of creating just and legitimate social structures, violence is seen as a means to 'radical' political ends.

What is violence? What kinds of violence are there? How do systems of oppression perpetuate or institute violence? What role does violence play in human psychology and social structures? How do we represent violence and what do these representations make possible or impossible? Is non-violence a form of violence? Is revolutionary violence legitimate? Under what conditions is it legitimate? Does the recourse to violence for political ends perpetuate the cycles of violence? What are the differences between violence and political power? Does the birth of the new social order require a violent upheaval?

The Phoenix Inn Suites: $104 per night, double occupancy with a breakfast room

Best Western, The New Oregon: $79.99 single, $89.99 double, $3 per person for extra people, up to 4 people per double room.

Best Western, The Greentrees: $79.99 single, $89.99 double, $3 per person for extra people, up to 4 people per double room.

Please mention "Radical Philosophers Association" to get the rate.

rpa2010meeting@gmail.com
brandon.absher@gmail.com
jessicaepeters@gmail.com