RIT-Hosted Conference Draws 600 Philosophers to Rochester

The 62nd annual meeting of the Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy (SPEP) will feature presentations and discussions on topics such as “Governing Algorithms,” “LGBTQ+ AI, Algorithm, and Data Ethics,” “Disability, Ableism, and Addiction,” and more than 80 others.

In addition to the main SPEP program, thirteen affiliated philosophical societies will have sessions at the meeting. Participants will gather from September 26 to September 28 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Rochester. 

A distinguishing mark of continental philosophy is its engagement with other humanities and liberal arts disciplines on topics such as art and aesthetics, ethics, race, the environment, literature, science, history, psychology, gender, politics, sociology, and anthropology, explains RIT Professor Brian Schroeder, Ph.D., who formerly served as co-director of the society and on its executive committee from 2010-2016. 

“This meeting provides a vital forum for people to stay current with the most recent developments and to participate in an open exchange of ideas,” he said. “SPEP’s selection of RIT as the host for this event is an estimable endorsement of the quality of our program here, especially given the fact that we don’t have a philosophy graduate program as most host sites usually do.” 

“Additionally, our region’s rich history and thought leadership regarding emerging technology and ethics, women’s rights, civil rights, and political and social movements makes Rochester a fitting location for this year’s meeting,” said Schroeder. 

In support of the RIT Department of Philosophy, the RIT College of Liberal Arts and the Office of International Education and Global Programs, Academic Affairs, have collaborated to host this year’s SPEP meeting. 

For more information about the meeting, contact Prof. Schroeder at brian.schroeder@rit.edu.