Thomas S. Kuhn – The 50th Anniversary of
the Structure of Scientific Revolutions
The Philosophy of Science: How Seminal Works in
Research Methodology Shape Our Understanding of Science and the Interpretation
of Results
International Conference
Prishtina, Kosovo
14-15 December 2012
CALL FOR PAPERS
Thomas S. Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions is
a seminal work of philosophy which has marked a major and important turn in the
understanding of science in general and the understanding of the philosophy of
science in particular.
The influence of this work has
gone beyond the sphere of philosophy and it has touched upon all other major
sciences, too. Indeed, philosophy in general and the philosophy of science in
particular would not be the same after the publication of Kuhn’s work. His work
marked the beginning of the end of many understandings and beliefs that were
thought to be indisputable.
For instance, methodology
would no longer have the supremacy in scientific research that it was believed
to have. Moreover, the belief that there was one criterion under which all
scientific research were to be conducted faded away as well. And, rationalism
was shaken to its roots. Therefore, Kuhn’s contribution is invaluable in
challenging existing paradigms while seeking new and more sustainable approaches.
On the occasion of Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions 50th
anniversary, it is important to recall his immense contribution to science and
the understanding of it.
Therefore, the objective of
this international conference is to bring together scholars, researchers,
policymakers, and other professionals with an interest in the philosophy of
science, methodology and interpretation of research results. Papers in the
field of sociology, political science, logics, semantics, metaphysics, epistemology,
philosophy of history, and other related fields that deal with issues raised by
Kuhn are also welcome. To enrich the discussions, the conference will feature
prominent scholars of these topics.
The Kosovo Public Policy
Center wishes to invite all scholars, including graduate students as well as
recent post-graduates, with an interest in the topic to submit abstracts for
consideration for the third annual KPPC international conference. The
deadline for abstract submission is November
30, 2012. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
Authors of selected abstracts will be expected to submit their full papers by
December 14, 2012.
Depending on the number of
accepted proposals for paper presentations, there will be between three and
five panel sessions. Papers will be grouped into sessions based on their topic,
theoretical frameworks, and methodologies used.
Professor Steve Fuller from
the University of Warwick will be the featured keynote speaker. Other guest
speakers will also be presenting at the conference.
Papers presented at the
conference, upon successful redrafting necessitated by the peer-review process,
will be published in two issues of the third volume of the Western Balkans
Policy Review, a semi-annual, peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
Abstract Submission Guidelines:
·
All abstracts must be in
English, typed, and submitted via email as a .DOC (MS Word) or PDF attachment,
using Times New Roman font, size 12 pt, 1 inch margins, double-spaced.
·
Each abstract should be
between 300 and 400 words (max).
·
Each abstract should include
the full name, affiliation, academic background and contact details of the
author. A CV of the author may also be submitted.
·
Individual or group authored
abstracts will be considered.
·
Each abstract is to be
submitted via email by the given deadline to conference@kppcenter.org
An academic committee consisting of university professors will be called upon
to review all abstracts and select papers for presentation at the conference.
Please note that there is no
fee to attend or present at this conference, thanks to the generous commitment
of the organizers. The organizers are working intensively to find
sponsors, however, to financially help presenters from developing countries to
cover their travel and accommodation expenses. As funds become
available, adequate announcements will be made on our website. All conference
presenters will be provided with meals and coffee breaks free of charge during
the conference proceedings.
All selected presenters and
interested participants from abroad will be given practical information as to
best travel options to Prishtina, Kosovo. Hotel
accommodation will be offered at a discounted rate for all conference
participants.
For further information or if
you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at conference@kppcenter.org
Co-organizers:
KOSOVO PUBLIC POLICY CENTER, Prishtina, Kosovo
VICTORY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Prishtina, Kosovo
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN
KOSOVO RESEARCH CENTER, Prishtina, Kosovo
Supporters:
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, YOUTH,
AND SPORTS, Prishtina, Kosovo
HOTEL VICTORY, Prishtina, Kosovo