Session 2 -- 12:45 p.m.
According to a popular Western way of looking at the origin of the world known as ex nihilo creation, God created the world out of total nothingness. In other words, there was a time when there was absolutely nothing out there, except God, and then, from this cosmological vacuum, God proceeded to create the world. The presentation comprises two major parts: First, we present two traditional “riddles” from the Akan people of West Africa that seem to challenge ex nihilo creation. Second, we examine an Akan-inspired argument against the view advanced by Kwasi Wiredu, a contemporary Akan philosopher.
What Came First, God or Matter? A View from Africa -- Dr. Kibujjo Kalumba
Where did Morality Come From? -- Dr. David W. Concepción
Is there morality? If so, does someone make it? If so, who makes it? Participants in this session will evaluate the comparative strengths of meta-ethical nihilism, objectivism, and many forms of constructivism.
A Philosophy Game -- Prof. Jen Rowland
Without giving away too many details, I will tell you three things about this game: 1) each person will be assigned a role in a new society; 2) this society has some issues; and 3) these issues need to be resolved. This game is fully participatory, so be prepared!
Hindu and Buddhist Notions of "Self" -- Dr. Jeff Brackett
Misconceptions of the Buddha and Buddhism include: the Buddha is a god, all Buddhists meditate, all Buddhists are vegetarian, Buddhism is a philosophy not a religion, Buddhism teaches that we are all one, Zen is really just about going with the flow, and it’s difficult to be Buddhist because they have to follow so many rules. Sometimes these ideas lead to stereotypes in which Buddhists remain forever “other,” or different from “us.” In this session, we focus on Buddhist understandings of “self” as starting point for making sense of common stereotypes of the Buddha and Buddhism.
Philosophy Beyond the Classroom -- Ball State Philosophy Alumni
Join a panel of our recent alumni to discuss how they use philosophy in their day to day lives and things as important as their post-graduate studies, careers, and even choice of breakfast cereals. Graduates will speak to their experiences and will be available to answer questions conference attendees might have about studying philosophy in college, post-high school, and how they might use philosophy in their own lives.