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Call for Papers Theme: Mercy: the engine of reconciliation? Subtitle: A multi-disciplinary inquiry into the role of mercy in human affairs Type: Interdisciplinary Conference Institution: Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace, University of Winchester Location: Winchester (United Kingdom) Date: 31.8.–1.9.2016 Deadline: 31.5.2016 __________________________________________________ The Winchester Centre of Religion Reconciliation and Peace invites scholars, post-graduate students, practitioners and artists to join them for two days of multi-disciplinary inquiry into the role of mercy in human affairs, especially its place in the establishing a new moral order after violent conflict. Our deliberations will be led by Professor Daniel Philpott, Professor of Political Science and Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and Fr Michael Lapsley SSM, Director of the Institute for Healing of Memories in Cape Town, South Africa.and artists to join them for two days of multi-disciplinary inquiry into the role of mercy in human affairs, especially its place in the establishing a new moral order after violent conflict. Mercy is the “cardinal virtue” of reconciliation according to Daniel Philpott (”Just and Unjust Peace” OUP 2013). But its place in the arena of peace-building and political reconciliation is contested. Some consider it an essential catalyst in breaking the chain of hate and reprisal after violent conflict. However, international criminal law places restrictions on the exercise of mercy and some argue that it undermines accountability for human rights violations and the establishment of the rule of law. ‘Mercy’ as conceived in the Christian tradition, and as advocated by Pope Francis, has particular resonances which are not always fully translatable into other religious traditions. To understand fully the potential of mercy in international affairs we want to bring together diverse secular and religious perspectives. We invite papers which cast a critical light on the nature of mercy, particularly, but not exclusively, in the following areas: - Political reconciliation - Transitional and restorative justice - Social and inter-personal psychology - Conflict and peace studies - International Law - Religious studies We welcome empirical studies and stories (including film) which illustrate the impact of acts of mercy in particular situations of conflict. Proposals Presentations will be in English, and will be allocated 20 minutes each, plus discussion. Prospective participants are invited to submit abstracts of 250-300 words (in Word or Open Office format). Proposals must include name, institutional affiliation (if relevant), a short biography (no more than 100 words) and an email address and phone number. Proposals for panel discussions (organised by the participants) will be considered. We hope to publish a selection of papers. Deadline for receipt of abstracts is Tuesday 31st May. Conference website: https://sites.google.com/site/mercyconferenceuk/ __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/interphil@list.polylog.org/ __________________________________________________
