The Department of Philosophy has hosted its premier annual event, the Spindel Conference, every year since 1981. Each year the conference assembles a select group of experts on a special topic in philosophy for an intense, immensely educational, and very enjoyable three-day symposium. The papers and commentaries of the conference are published in the annual Spindel Supplement to the Southern Journal of Philosophy. Now in its twenty-seventh year, the Spindel Conference has established itself as one of the most distinguished philosophical conferences in the nation. Spindel conference supplements are widely regarded as containing cutting-edge scholarly papers on specific philosophical issues and are used worldwide by scholars for their research and as texts for graduate courses.

The 2008 Spindel Conference will take place at the University of Memphis on September 25–27, 2008. Bill E. Lawson of the Department of Philosophy is directing the conference. The theme of the conference is Race, Racism, and Liberalism in the 21st Century. In recent years, philosophers have turned their attention to the role of race in philosophy, world affairs, and social relations. The conference will provide a rare opportunity for distinguished scholars of African American philosophy, race theory, and feminist theory to engage in sustained conversation on emerging and pressing issues concerning the future of race talk and racism. Renowned sociology scholar W.E.B. Dubois noted in 1903 regarding issues of race “the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line.” The problem of race in the twenty-first century is motivating questions for the conference. Race and race relations are highlighted at this moment in history given the political ascendancy of Barack Obama as a presidential candidate. While the conference does not focus on Obama’s candidacy, it cannot be overlooked as a factor in race relations and our understanding of the role of race in the country’s future. Does his emergence represent a sign of hope for race relations? Will the twenty-first century be remembered as the century that the concept of race was put to rest? Should the concept of race be conserved? How should the “browning” of American be understood? What is the relationship between race and gender issues in the politics of the future?

The philosophers invited to the 2008 Spindel Conference are experts in the area of African American philosophy, race theory, and feminist ethics. This conference will offer an opportunity for the University of Memphis to host another unique philosophical event with some of the best philosophers engaged in the race debate.

For more information, please visit The Southern Journal of Philosophy web site for a list of prior Spindel Conferences.