In the age of globalization and trans-cultural networking, and of growing nationalism and isolationism, the dichotomy of universalism and particularism becomes a central focal point for scientific, cultural, political, religious and social debates. Are there universal values and rules that can be declared binding for all people worldwide, in all cultures, religions and societies? Or should we regard particularism and cultural relativism following the achievements of postcolonial theories as an opportunity for the co-existence of different worldviews, languages, cultures and denominations? Is there a universalism existent beyond all the cultural particularisms? And can particularisms assert themselves without being in relation to a universal measurement? How do we understand the problem of good and evil in the world? What are the local, national and international implications of identity politics on the left and on the right? How can we overcome the theoretical juxtaposition of universalism and particularism without either asserting an absolute or accepting a sort of postmodern anything goes? The ethnologist and philosopher Lawrence Krader devoted himself to these questions in various unpublished writings. The planned conference seeks to shed light on these issues from his and other perspectives and aims to tackle this question by means of describing and analyzing concrete historical, empirical, political, economic, ethical and aesthetic debates.

We invite scholars in all fields whose work addresses this important theme to respond to this call for papers. We will be inviting 16 successful applicants to participate in the conference on the basis of abstracts (200-300 words in length) submitted before the end of November 2019 to the following members of the Krader Project:

Prof. Rob Beamish rob.beamish@queensu.ca
Prof. Cyril Levitt levittc@mcmaster.ca
PD Dr. Sabine Sander sandes1@mcmaster.ca

Successful applicants will be informed of the decision by January 31, 2020 and will have their travel costs and room and board covered by the Lawrence Krader Research Project. For more information please visit the homepage of the Lawrence Krader Research Project:
http://www.lawrencekrader.com