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

 

 

 

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