We at the AAP would like to acknowledge the serious concerns raised regarding one of the talks scheduled at our upcoming conference at the University of Wollongong.
By tradition and by policy, the AAP conference accepts all contributions received from academic philosophers in Australasia. Aside from the Presidential address and our keynote speakers, the contributors to the conference are not invited speakers, and as an organisation we do not endorse the content of any paper presented at the conference. Indeed, we encourage respectful but critical responses towards all papers presented at the conference, especially if they defend views that conflict with our commitment to support diversity in philosophy.
The statement of aims on the conference website expresses our expectations for the conduct for all participants: “We aim to encourage a relaxed, professional, and safe atmosphere for the exchange of ideas and presentation of arguments. We ask all participants - whether they be speakers, chairs, or attendees - to take responsibility for creating a space where all feel accepted, respected, and heard.” We recognise that the aim of encouraging the discussion of arguments and ideas can conflict with the aim of creating a space where everyone is able to participate. We take this seriously, both in terms of the need to engage with arguments and in terms of the need for awareness of the impact those arguments can have. We value all members of the philosophy community, and we expect all participants in the conference to share these commitments.
Professor Susan Dodds, Chair
Professor Graham Oppy, Chief Executive Officer