The IXth International Wassard Elea Symposium: call for papers

Parody

May 27-30, 2019

Ascea, Italy

~call for papers~

Parody, the term, is in common usage. Many writers seem to suppose it applies mainly to theater and literature; while virtually absent in several genres (Sokal’s an exception), it is certainly not only a category of style. It’s also considered a bright tool in humour’s arsenal. In philosophy parody is a rare and neglected concept. Yet parody raises prompts myriad/a host of questions, most of which lack precise answer. Some such as: Parody’s exact difference(s) from travesty, allegory, satire, farce, irony, comic, pastiche, caricature, parable, (indirect?) quotation, etc.? The value of parody? Are they necessarily abstractions? Are there several types of parody? Does parody produce, present, insight? The conditions of (failing) parody? The charm of parody? Parodies exhibit the logic of the absurd? When does a parafrase, an analogy, turn into a parody? Are parodies arguments? critique? Do they necessarily imitate or refer to some (prior) thing, can one parodise nothing? Are series of theories, the path of despair, each a parody of the former? (Example: I think therefore I am, I laugh therefore I am, I drink therefore I am, etc.). This call is for fresh and detailed examinations of the logic of the concept of ‘parody’. Treatment of particular works or groups of works, current or historical, are only considered relevant insofar they significantly advance philosopical explication of the concept of ‘parody’.

This, the IXth International Wassard Elea Symposium, is dedicated to thorough investigation of this common concept. We seek to engage philosophers and scholars in a conceptual analysis of what parody means.

Wassard Elea invites philosophers and scholars to submit papers on the topic of this year’s theme. Sessions of 90 min. include speaker, commentator and open discussion (40/20/30). Participants whose papers are accepted are expected to also prepare a commentary on another presentator’s paper at the meeting. All suitable contributions are published in our journal, Wassard Elea Rivista.

Inquiries are welcome. Full papers (format: word) should be sent directly to: Prof. Lars Aagaard-Mogensen, Italy: wassardelea@gmail.com.

Deadline for submissions: February 1, 2019.

Registration fee: 10 €. Information on base rate accommodations will be posted in due course.

Wassard Elea

Refugium for writers, artists, composers, and scholars in Southern Italy

Wassardelea.blogspot.it