Conference: Civil Discourse in a Polarized World

Hosted by the Jean Beer Blumenfeld Center for Ethics; The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program; The Department of Philosophy; and the Center for Ethics Student Forum; all at Georgia State University.

Dates: April 22 and 23, 2027 Location: Georgia State University; Atlanta, Georgia

Keynote Speakers: John Corvino (Wayne State University, Philosophy), Lilliana Mason (John Hopkins University, Political Science)

We are pleased to announce the following calls for papers:

Faculty, Graduate Students, and Independent Scholars and Practitioners:

We invite abstracts for presentations on (a) the role, form, and possibility of civil discourse today, (b) polarization and its relationship to civil discourse, or (c) other related topics. Selected participants will have 50-minutes for their presentation, followed by Q&A. We expect to have at least three 90-minute sessions, each devoted to one presentation. Accepted speakers will be provided a $1250 honorarium. Email submissions to ethics@gsu.edu with the subject line “Civil Discourse Conference.”

Deadline for Abstract Submission: January 15, 2027

Notification of Acceptance: February 1, 2027

Undergraduate Students:

We invite abstracts on (a) the role, form, and possibility of civil discourse today, (b) polarization and its relationship to civil discourse, or (c) other related topics. Selected participants will have 10-20 minutes for their presentation, followed by Q&A. We expect to have at least six slots for these presentations. Accepted speakers will be provided a $300 honorarium. Email submissions to ethics@gsu.edu, with the subject line “U.G. Civil Discourse Conference.”

Deadline for Abstract Submission: February 15, 2027

Notification of Acceptance: March 1, 2027

About the Conference

In the last decade we have seen democratic backsliding and a rise of authoritarianism across the globe. In many liberal democracies, there is clear polarization and loss of trust in societal institutions. More generally, there is a decrease in open discourse. We aim to have an interdisciplinary discussion on these and related topics. We are especially interested in proposals for improving civil discourse and strengthening liberal democracy but are open to empirical studies and essays that are normative in orientation.

We welcome abstract submissions (maximum 500 words, including references) for presentations. Presentations might address the following, or any related topic:

• What is civil discourse? What is its value? How can we promote it?
• Should the state regulate (limit or promote) discourse of some sort?
• Is there a duty to engage in civil discourse? Who would have this duty?
• How can we reduce political polarization and acrimony?
• What are the relationships between civil discourse, social trust, and democratic backsliding?
• What role does Higher Education play in the rise of polarization, reducing it, or increasing civil discourse?
• How might technology—online social platforms, e.g.,—aid or hinder civil discourse?

Questions? Email Andrew J. Cohen (cohenaj@gsu.edu) or Christie Hartley (chartley@gsu.edu).