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23.01.2021 13:53 Alter: 3 yrs

From Logos to Person


Call for Papers

Theme: From Logos to Person
Type: 5th Interdisciplinary Conference
Institution: Polis - The Jerusalem Institute of Languages and
Humanities
  Johns Hopkins University
  University of Hamburg
Location: Jerusalem (Israel)
Date: 5.–7.10.2021
Deadline: 19.3.2021


Aristotle defined man as a rational animal. The early modern
definition of human being as res cogitans (Descartes) cut human
beings off from their animal dimension and the physical world, while
a deeply modern philosophical school such as phenomenology stressed
the role of the body in the constitution of the human person. More
recently, John Deely proposed a definition of man as a semiotic
animal. This definition underlines a missing link in the history of
philosophy, as it showcases man’s communicative nature, which is
intrinsic to his social ethos. Modern and contemporary personalist
philosophies have also pointed in this direction. Derrida’s
deconstructionism, a philosophical development that has permeated
much of the contemporary mindset, argues instead that language and
extra-mental reality are cut off from each other.

Whether language is perceived as an instrument of communication or as
a human activity devoid of real meaning, the acquisition and ongoing
use of speech shapes our identity and our attitude towards
individuals and human communities, communicating key attitudes such
as self-acceptance and openness to others, tolerance and intolerance,
belief and skepticism. Language is central to shaping man’s position
in the world and in society.

Human being’s communicative ability can be particularly illustrated
by the rich history of the Greek notions of λόγος and πρόσωπον, and
of the traditional (according to context) Latin versions verbum and
persona. Early Christian writers used both terms when discussing the
revelation of a Trinity of Persons in God. Arabic translators chose
the words كلمة and أقنوم to translate the Greek original The Hebrew
Bible uses the words דבר and פנים to refer to God’s act of creation
and when interacting with human beings. The Bible portrays a personal
God who speaks and who dialogues with his creatures.

The Interdisciplinary Conference "From Logos to Person" aims at
gathering scholars from the fields of philosophy, linguistics,
philology, literature, anthropology and theology to examine the
notions of logos and person and their rich interactions throughout
history. Contributions emphasizing the place and role of each or any
of the four linguistic traditions mentioned in forging this notion
will be particularly welcome.


Topics of Interest

1. From logos to person: The intellectual history of these notions
from antiquity to nowadays, particularly (though not exclusively) in
the Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and Latin traditions.

2. Languages and personal identity: Learning to speak as a key
element in personal development. To what extent shapes a specific
language the way of thinking?

3. Self-identity and inter-relations. Memory and verbal expression as
a key factor in shaping individual and collective identity. Does
learning a new language have a bearing on an adult as a person?

4. Are words vehicles of thoughts? Does being a person imply
being-in-relation? Are there non-human persons? Is personal growth
possible?

5. The Word of God. The role of words in the act of creation. Person
& Sacred Scripture: Implies divine Revelation a personal God? Prayer
as monologue, formula, invocation, or dialogue in the three
monotheistic traditions.


Timeline

February 15th, 2021:
Registration opens

March 19th, 2021:
Deadline for submission of abstracts (250 words)

June 30th, 2021:
Deadline for registration for in-person participants and audience

September 30th, 2021:
Deadline for registration for the online audience

October 5th-7th, 2021:
Conference dates (3 full days)

January 15th, 2022:
Deadline for final article submission


For any enquires, please contact:
logos-conference(at)polisjerusalem.org

Conference website:
https://www.polisjerusalem.org/research/conference-2021/