We cordially invite abstract submissions for the 2026 Centre for Ethics as Study in Human Value Undergraduate Conference:
Why are we fighting? Philosophy in Polarized Times
April 10, 2026; University of Pardubice (Pardubice, Czech Republic)
Theme: It is becoming a truism that polarization is on the rise, our societies dividing—often violently—into so many “us” and “them” groupings around moral and political questions and along national, religious, and identity-based lines. This extends even to questions of truth and the trustworthiness of scientific institutions and experts. What is the role of philosophical thinking such times? Can philosophical arguments actually settle all disagreements, or are there differences that run so deep that agreement cannot be reached? Is agreement always to be desired, or is difference sometimes valuable? When grave harm has been done, are reconciliation and forgiveness always possible (or good)? How should we engage with the world? Or are we sometimes justified in becoming cynical, disengaged, or “minding our own business” amidst the fighting?
This conference aims to bring together undergraduate students who are interested in ethical questions related to the theme of the conference to think about the role of philosophical reflection in polarized times. Suitable problems that can be addressed include (but are not limited to): the climate crisis and denialism, populism and nationalism, war and violence, animal abuse, and capitalistic and patriarchal structures. We are also interested in submissions that discuss dominant ethical theories or approaches (including from critical, feminist or non-western perspectives).
Submission Deadline: February 16, 2026
Decisions on Acceptances: February 23, 2026
Centre for Ethics: Founded in 2017, The Centre for Ethics as Study in Human Value at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies of the University of Pardubice focuses on issues surrounding the distinctive value of human life, and the ways in which this value may be either recognised or overlooked in both personal and political contexts. The main aim is to develop a conception of the nature and value of humanity and to apply it to a range of personal and political issues, including attitudes towards marginalised groups and issues surrounding populism, nationalism, religious conflict, migration and a changing European identity.
Format: This one-day conference will be conducted in English. Accepted undergraduate speakers will be given space for 10-minute talks in sessions alongside 2 other speakers. We will then open the floor for a moderated roundtable discussion of the topics raised in each of the papers, with attendees given the chance to ask speakers questions and make comments. The conference will begin and end with keynote addresses from the Centre for Ethics’ international research team.
Submission Guidelines: This conference is only open to current undergraduate students or recent graduates who are not currently enrolled in a PhD program.
Submissions will be accepted from students from any university and from any discipline. Submissions should be sent to: LesleyPaige.Jamieson@upce.cz.
We will be providing travel bursaries of up to 500CZK to accepted speakers attending the conference from within Czechia. In addition, we will provide a limited number of travel grants (2500CZK) for students travelling from Ukraine.
Applications must include:
- Abstract of Proposed Talk. Abstracts should be approximately 200-400 words and describe the ethical or political problem/topic that the proposed talk would address and the central claim that the paper would defend. Document title and document should not contain any indicators of the identity of the submitter
- Cover Sheet. This document should include the title of the talk (matching the title attached to the abstract); the name of the author; institutional affiliation; year of study; email address.