In an age marked by the intensification of polarization within public and political spheres, the International Association for the Study of Controversies (IASC) invites scholars, practitioners, and thinkers from various disciplines to contribute to our upcoming conference, "BEYOND POLARIZATION: Controversies as a Philosophical and Social Praxis". This event aims to re-evaluate the role of controversy beyond mere disagreement, envisioning it as a vital, structured dialogue that fosters deeper understanding and transcends the quest for decisive victory.

Conference Rationale:

In an era characterized by the escalation of public and political discourse polarization, it becomes imperative to explore alternative avenues for dialogue and mutual understanding. This conference aims to delve into the concept of "controversy" as a potential antidote to this increasing polarization. At the core is the notion that controversy is not merely a disagreement to be resolved or an impediment to be overcome, but rather a complex and multifaceted philosophical and social praxis in its own right.
Viewed as structured dialogues aimed at deeper comprehension rather than decisive victory, controversies offer an alternative paradigm for interaction.
This model can function as a beneficial tool both in academic discourse and public life, especially in situations of conflict or profound division. The conference thereby seeks to scrutinize how the praxis of controversy can help unveil new layers of understanding, paving the way for more constructive dialogue and more harmonious interaction among diverse individuals and communities.
To this end, the conference will provide a platform for interdisciplinary discussion, drawing from various fields of philosophy, social sciences, and even international relations to offer a comprehensive and nuanced landscape for tackling divisions that increasingly appear insurmountable.

Themes and Topics:

We welcome submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Theoretical foundations of controversies as a philosophical practice
- Historical case studies of controversies fostering dialogue and understanding
- Methodological approaches to studying controversies
- The role of controversies in mediating political and public discourse
- Strategies for leveraging controversies for constructive dialogue
- Controversies in digital and social media: challenges and opportunities
- The impact of controversies on community building and social cohesion
- Interdisciplinary perspectives on controversies: contributions from philosophy, social sciences, international relations, and beyond

Submission Guidelines:

- Abstracts should be no more than 300 words, clearly outlining the argument, methodology, and relevance to the conference theme.
- Please include a brief bio with your submission, indicating your affiliation and area of research.
- Proposals should be submitted via email to [gscarafile@gmail.com] by May 31st.
- Notification of acceptance will be sent by June 8th.

Conference Details:

- Date: August 2nd, during the World Congress of Philosophy, Rome 2024.
- Venue: Details to be announced.

Technical Notes:
- There are no participation fees for the IASC conference itself; however, registration for the World Congress of Philosophy is required. Please register at [www.wcprome2024.com].
- Further information on conference logistics, including venue details and the full program, will be available on the IASC website [www.iasc.me].

This conference is not only a platform for intellectual exchange but also an opportunity for rekindling the spirit of dialogue in an era of heightened division. We look forward to your contributions to this critical discourse, exploring the potential of controversies to bridge divides and enrich our collective understanding.


Join us in transcending polarization through the praxis of controversy, illuminating paths toward a more dialogic and inclusive world.