History & Philosophy of Psychology Conference

 Eploring Alternatives

Conferences often involve a ‘packaged’ presentation followed by a few questions, but rarely does program structure enable opportunities for the kind of meaningful dialogue that energizes scholarly work.  The ‘Exploring Alternatives’ theme of the conference requires the freedom to explore innovative program ideas that foster generative dialogue. The following pages outline a general program structure that is oriented towards fostering generative dialogue.

‘Exploring Alternative’s also requires open programming.  The HPP section is not large and so there is flexibility to add material or adjust the program to fit the desires of the conference delegates.  Although a program structure is outlined, it is an open program insofar as interested scholars are welcome to contact the program organizing committee. That is, we are extending an invitation to be involved as a commentator or discussant of symposia papers, and then giving details about what this would involve (e.g., writing a short commentary beforehand, etc.)  

Backstory

At our section business meeting following the convention in Toronto this year, concerns were raised about several new and ongoing developments that substantially detract from the value of being part of the CPA convention program. Not only has it become more difficult to maintain control of our programming and room, but the costs of registration have become increasingly prohibitive in recent years. These costs are even greater for the 2018 conference in Montreal. After careful consideration, and support from a significant proportion of section members, the Executive has opted to hold a separate conference for the HPP Section in Calgary in 2018. We feel that the reduced costs of attending this meeting, as well as greater flexibility with programming, will allow members and others with affiliations with HPP to share our research and ideas in a way that is conducive to scholarly exchange and a renewed perspective for the section.