italian-studies: Scholarly discussions in any field of Italian studies
RSA 2020 CfP on Happiness
As Philosophy Representative for the Renaissance Society of America, I plan to submit a series of sponsored panels on conceptions and depictions of happiness in the Renaissance period across and beyond Europe. The next RSA meeting will take place in Philadelphia (2-4 April 2020).
Despite the seminal studies by scholars such as Charles Trinkaus and Antonino Poppi, in a number of areas the topic of happiness has not received the attention it deserves. These panels will particularly raise (and attempt to answer) questions concerning the originality of Renaissance discussions of happiness and their legacy to early modern thought. Especially useful will be contributions that do not focus exclusively on humanism or on a specific country/language area.
Papers that cover any area of discussions of happiness will be welcome. Suggested possibilities include:
• the relationship between individual happiness and that of the community (including utopias)
• happiness as a characteristic of humans vs animals or angels
• Protestant vs Catholic understandings of happiness
• whether (and how) understandings of happiness fluctuate depending on their reliance on particular ancient traditions (whether philosophical or religious)
• happiness as fulfilment (eudaimonia) vs as a feeling
• views of happiness in Renaissance vs. medieval or early modern philosophy
• artistic or literary depictions of happiness, analysed within their intellectual context
• discussions of happiness in Latin vs in the vernacular
Please send a proposal to Professor David Lines ([log in to unmask]), with the following information, by 1 August:
i) paper title (15-word maximum)
ii) paper abstract (150-word maximum)
iii) curriculum vitae (.pdf or .doc upload)
iv) PhD completion date (past or expected)
v) full name, current affiliation, and email address
vi) a/v requests
* All submissions to the RSA Annual Meeting must consist of new material that has not been published or presented in alternative venues or formats.
**Applicants will hear by 8 August whether their paper proposal has been accepted.