[Discussion] CFP: Bewildering Sexualities (Spain) (4/15/04; ISSEI, 8/2/04-8/7/04)

[sule tarakcioglu]

Call for Papers

Workshop: =91Bewildering Sexualities=92
ISSEI 9th Conference
University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
2-7 August, 2004

Theme of the workshop: Bewildering Sexualities

According to the general introduction to the 2004 ISSEI conference, the
articulation of the Self in the context of coexistence with Others
represents one of the central challenges of Modernity. This challenge is
intimately linked with the issue of sexual identity and its significance=20
for society and personal identity and well-being.

In 1995, Jeffrey Weeks claimed in his Invented Moralities that modern
identities are becoming increasingly heterogeneous, enabling many possibl=
e
identifications across the boundaries of many potential differences,=20
defying
traditional categorizations and challenging settled power relations. Thes=
e
identities, he added, express certain values shared with those with whom =
we
identify and which differentiate us from countless others with whom we do
not identify. Weeks correctly observes that these identity-dynamics becom=
e
entwined with questions regarding the boundaries of identity, cultural
difference and become symbolized by the pleasures and dangers of sexual
choice.

During late modernity, it would seem that personal identity becomes
increasingly articulated through sexuality. The sexual domain, furthermor=
e,
becomes constructed as a domain of individual choice, freedom and
fulfilment. To put it somewhat bluntly: =91being who you are=92 becomes
synonymous with =91choosing with whom to fuck=97and how (often).=92

All this has generated, on the one hand, a vigorous dynamic of
individualisation, while on the other hand fuelling a continuing process =
of
constructing =91Others=92=97those who are not like us.

Possible topics

In this workshop, I would like to invite participants to reflect on this
curious dynamic of individuality and otherness. Possible topics include:

* Sex and identity in Modernity (e.g., closer link between sex and identi=
ty
in Modernity then before?);
* The formation of sexual (sub)cultures and their role and success or
failure in identity formation;
* Changing representations of sexual (sub)cultures in society, the media=20
and
art;
* Differing discourses and viewpoints on (the nature and meaning of)
sexuality;
* Historical, cultural & philosophical investigations into the dynamics o=
f
(post)modern sexuality;
* The impact of the dynamic of individuality and otherness: liberation or
escapism?
* The commodification of sexuality;

Abstracts & Deadline

Papers on related themes will be considered. Please submit a 150-200 word
abstract by April, 15 2004. Papers are to be presented rather than read.
Length of time for presentation of papers: some 15 minutes. Final papers
should not exceed 3000 words, including notes.

Submit abstract by email to the chair of the workshop:

Email: Tom.Claes@UGent.be

(Please include =91ISSEI conference=92 in the subject line!)

Prof. Dr. Tom Claes
Department of Philosophy
Ghent University
Belgium
Homepage: http://www.flwi.rug.ac.be/philosophy/claes/
Department: http://www.flwi.rug.ac.be/philosophy/

More information the workshop and 9th 2004 ISSEI conference:

International Society for the Study of European Ideas
ISSEI 9th Conference
http://issei2004.haifa.ac.il/ and/or
http://www.unav.es/cee/issei/

Workshop =91Bewildering Sexualities=92
http://issei2004.haifa.ac.il/ClaesTom.htm