[Bups-l] Would you like to direct a colloquium at the BUPS spring conference?

[Edward Grefenstette]

We at BUPS were happy to note that the colloquium on free will at the  
winter conference was quite a success. As a result, we'd like to  
include one in the BUPS Skills Conference (which will be held March  
30th - April 1st at St John's college, Durham) as well. Also, we'd  
like to give someone outside the committee the opportunity to give  
the talk.

For those who weren't present, it takes the following form:
The colloquium is on a general topical area, generally an accessible  
one (some general topic from ethics, philosophy of politics, etc...  
something like logic or philosophy of mathematics might be a bit  
difficult). A speaker gives a 10-15 (or as much as twenty) colloquial  
talk on the background and common positions of the topic, so simply  
discussing the key problems and what the main thinkers points are,  
and then the assembly divides up into groups for a further 15-20  
minutes to discuss the matter, and finally we discuss a few points  
from each group as a whole. In sum, it is not unlike a seminar, but  
without the need for preparation.

The speaker's role is to prepare a short talk, which needn't be as  
dense and formal as a paper (the emphasis is on friendly clarity),  
giving a basic presentation of the topic of their choice. And then to  
join groups during discussion, and finally direct the final  
discussion of each group's main points. It's not a difficult task (in  
fact, I should think it rather enjoyable).

If you are in your second or third year, and you are interested in  
participating, please email chair at bups.org with a suggested topic (ie  
"different views on behaviourism", "utilitarianism and individual  
liberty", etc ...)  which you need to be comfortable with. Please  
include your year of study at university (and university  
affiliation), and detail your experience with the topic.

As an incentive for participation, I will personally reimburse the  
successful candidate 25% (roughly £15) of the conference registration  
costs (as all speakers and delegates must, of course, register).  
Please respond quickly, as the topic will more or less be selected on  
a "first come, first served" basis. Current BUPS committee members  
may apply, but preference will be given to someone outside the  
committee if a choice must be made.

Best,
Edward.