Bostrom @ Converging Tech and Philosophy

SPT 2009
Converging Technologies, Changing Societies

16th International Conference of the Society for Philosophy and Technology
July 8-10
University of Twente
Enschede, The Netherlands

Deadline for abstracts: January 5, 2009

SPT 2009 welcomes high quality papers and panel proposals in all areas of philosophy of technology. Given the focus of this year’s conference, papers dealing with converging technologies and their social and cultural impact are especially welcomed.  SPT 2009 will include 15 tracks. I would like to ask your special attention for the track:

1.  Converging technologies and human enhancement. Chair: Peter-Paul Verbeek

The convergence of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information technology has resulted in many possibilities to interfere in ‘human nature’. Technologies like psychofarmaca, embryo selection and neuroimplants, and new fields like tissue engineering and synthetic biology are starting to cross the boundary between therapy and enhancement. Rather than helping to cure diseases, they might make it possible to improve the human being. Enhancement technology raises many ethical and anthropological questions. What moral arguments can be developed pro and contra human enhancement? What social and cultural implications can these technologies have, and how can we assess them? And what do these technologies imply for philosophical anthropology and its conceptualization of the human being? The ‘converging technologies and human enhancement’ track is open for all papers that address philosophical questions related to human enhancement.

Descriptions of the tracks can be found on our website http://www.utwente.nl/ceptes/spt2009.

Keynote speakers include:

Prof. Dr. Nick Bostrom, (Director at Future of Humanity Institute, Faculty of Philosophy and James Martin 21st Century School, Oxford University)
Prof. Dr. Andrew Feenberg, (Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Technology, School of Communication, Simon Fraser University)
Third keynote: tba

Plenary sessions:

STS and Philosophy of Technology. Chair: Prof. Dr. Carl Mitcham
Converging Technologies and Public debates. Chair: Prof. Dr.  Frans Brom
Third session: tba

Papers will be accepted on the basis of a submitted abstract, which will be refereed. An abstract must be between 500 and 750 words in length (references excluded) and submitted via email () as embedded plain text or an attachment in RTF or WORD (no docx) or PDF format. It should also contain the name and number of the track to which the abstract is submitted.  Abstracts must be submitted no later than January 5, 2009. Authors will be informed of the decision of the referees by March 2, 2009.

Panel Proposals.  We will also accept proposals for panel discussions, also to be submitted by January 5, 2009.  Panel proposals must include a statement of the general topic and an overview of the specific questions or issues to be addressed.  In addition, the proposal should include a list of the panelists involved, their expertise in this area, and whether they have indicated that they are willing to participate. 

The SPT conference series is recognized as the premier international event in philosophy of technology, with delegates from all over the world. Conferences are held every 2 years, alternating between Europe and the United States. SPT 2009 is the 16th conference in the series.

Organizing Committee:
General Director: Philip Brey, University of Twente
Scientific Directors: Peter-Paul Verbeek and Tsjalling Swierstra, University of Twente
Managing Director: Katinka Waelbers, University of Twente (contact person)

Keep checking the conference website (currently in progress) at http://www.utwente.nl/ceptes/spt2009
Conference email address:  spt2009(at)gw.utwente.nl

Please feel free to distribute this call widely!


Best regards,


Peter-Paul Verbeek



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dr.ir. P.P.C.C. Verbeek
University of Twente
Department of Philosophy
P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands
http://www.gw.utwente.nl/wijsb/medewerkers/verbeek