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Dear friends,
Several people have asked about the Marxism conference in Havana which
took place last month. My feelings about it may be coloured by the fact
that I returned with a serious bacterial infection that presently has me
unable to hear or speak; however, I think the problems in the conference
transcend the particular. (Gerard was also there and may wish to comment.)
As the result of a number of factors (the disparate interests of non-Cuban
participants, the limitation of Cuban participants to individuals
associated with the specific institutions involved with coordinating the
conference-- which meant a bit of a mismatch with non-Cuban participants--
and the plenary format of the conference), there was not a great
opportunity for discussion. Added to that was a frustration on the part of
many non-Cubans about the lack of an opportunity to discuss what was
happening in Cuba now. So, I would guess that many participants-- even
those who came back healthy-- were disappointed in the conference (although
not necessarily in the opportunity to visit Cuba in February).
In contrast, the regular conferences which bring together philosophers and
social scientists (including URPE members) are quite different in that they
break up into panels which meet regularly for several days and permit
extensive discussion among Cuban and non-Cuban participants. They are
well-organised and provide an opportunity for scholars to make continuing
links with Cuban counterparts. I know that David has gone in the past. For
those who are interested, I enclose a copy of the material for this June's
conference that Cliff Durand, U.S. coordinator sent me. Some of the
organisational details are specific to U.S. residents, who have unique
problems in visiting Cuba. Also, non- North Americans are not excluded and
have participated in the past.
in solidarity,
mike
=======================================================
>12th CONFERENCE OF NORTH AMERICAN AND CUBAN
>PHILOSOPHERS AND SOCIAL SCIENTISTS
>June 14 - 28/ 30, 2000
>Habana, Cuba
>
>**APPLICATION PACKET**
>includes: cover letter; Call for Papers; Application Form
>
>
>Dear
>
>Thank you for your interest in the 12th Conference of North American and
>Cuban Philosophers and Social Scientists. You no doubt share our
>excitement about this opportunity to meet with Cuban philosophers and
>social scientists at this moment in history to share your interest in Cuba
>and learn from them. We expect that all will approach this interchange in
>a spirit of friendship out of a mutual desire to promote scholarly
interests.
>
>We look for a stimulating dialog with our Cuban counterparts. You can
>participate either by presenting a paper or as a discussant. If you would
>like to organize a panel on any of the themes listed in the Call for
>Papers, we would be happy to receive your proposal. We are looking for
>short, provocative papers on topics of mutual interest that will stimulate
>discussion. We want the conference sessions to be given over to some real
>dialog.
>
>The basic trip will be for 14 days, although it is possible to stay for a
>shorter or a longer time if you wish. Our Delegation will fly from Nassau
>in The Bahamas on Wednesday June 14 for a weekend of pre-conference
>activities in Havana. The conference sessions themselves will begin on
>Monday, June 19 and run through that Friday. During the days before and
>after the conference we will have the opportunity to deepen our
>understanding of the institutions of Cuban society by visiting schools,
>officials, workplaces, as well as participate in a special seminar on the
>History of Cuban Thought, a workshop on the New Political Science in Cuba,
>and an introduction to African Derived Traditions in Cuba. In the second
>week smaller groups will fan out to other parts of the island to have
>shorter conferences with other Cubans who could not come to Havana. So
>during the second week you will have the option of staying in Havana or
>traveling to Matanzas, Camaguey, Holguin or Guantanamo. There will be some
>additional cost for the extra transportation. If you are interested in any
>of these options, please indicate on the application form.
>
>We estimate that the basic cost for a full two weeks in Havana will be
>approximately $1000. This is based on Nassau departure and includes room,
>board and interpreters in Cuba. Some site visits may cost a little extra.
>Since there are some who cannot afford the full cost themselves and may not
>be able to obtain sufficient institutional support, we plan to establish a
>scholarship fund to provide some assistance. If you need to request a
>scholarship, include with your application a brief statement explaining
>your need and the maximum amount you could afford (including other funds
>you might be able to raise from other sources). Our scholarship funds will
>be limited, but we will try to help you if you need it.
>
> The United States government imposes restrictions on travel to Cuba.
>However, most of us will qualify for travel under a General License issued
>by the Treasury Department for professional research. We are also applying
>for an educational license that will authorize graduate and undergraduate
>students to also accompany our delegation to Cuba, provided you are
>receiving academic credit for the trip. There are also other categories of
>persons who can qualify for a license. If you have any questions you can
>call Bob Guild of Marazul Tours at 1-800-223-5334. He will be handling our
>travel arrangements, including Cuban visas.
>
>The first of these bilateral conferences was held in 1982 with just 6 North
>American participants. In the years since then this has grown to include
>nearly 200 Cuban and North American participants, becoming one of the main
>academic events of the year in Havana. Through these meetings we affirm
>our freedom to inquire and to travel to Cuba for scholarly interchange. I
>hope you can be a part of it. If you have any questions about the
>conference, the best way to contact me is through e-mail (see the
>letterhead above). I look forward to receiving your application and to
>your participation in an exciting event.
>
>Venceremos,
>Cliff DuRand, Conference Coordinator
>
>phone 410-243-3118 1443 Gorsuch Ave.
>FAX 410-235-5325 Baltimore MD 21218
>e-mail: cdurand@jewel.morgan.edu
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
___
>Cuban sponsors: Facultad. Filosofia, Historia, y Sociologia, Universidad de
>la Habana;
> Sociedad Cubana de Investigaciones Filosoficas; Instituto de Filosofia.
>North American: Radical Philosophy Association; Union for Radical
>Political Economics;
> Society for the Philosophical Study of Marxism; Society for Women in
>Philosophy;
> APA Committee on Blacks in Philosophy.
>***********************************************************************
>
>**CALL FOR PAPERS; AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE**
>
>12th CONFERENCE OF NORTH AMERICAN AND CUBAN
>PHILOSOPHERS AND SOCIAL SCIENTISTS
>Havana, Cuba, June 14-28/30, 2000
>
>North American philosophers and social scientists are invited to
>participate along with Cuban counterparts in this annual event in Havana,
>Cuba. In past years as many as 75 North Americans have joined with 140
>Cubans for a week of discussions, followed by another week of visits to
>various organizations and sites of interest. The 12th conference will take
>place at the University of Havana from June 19-23.
>
>CALL FOR PAPERS: Commissions are being organized in the following thematic
>areas: IDEOLOGY OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION; POLITICAL SYSTEMS, DEMOCRACY,
>HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE; CIVIL SOCIETY IN SOCIALISM; WORKER
>PARTICIPATION; FEMINISM, WOMEN AND FAMILY; NATIONAL IDENTITY; CLASS,
>RACE, AND SEXUALITY; EPISTEMOLOGY AND METHODOLOGY; ETHICS AND VALUES
>(Environmental Ethics, Ethics of Development, Bio-Ethics, Ethics of the
>Death Penalty, etc.); PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE; EDUCATION AND SOCIETY;
>LITERATURE & POPULAR CULTURE (including Cultures of Resistence);
>ANTHROPOLOGY; SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (e.g. mass media & the new technology
>of communication); CONTEMPORARY CURRENTS IN PHILOSOPHY & THE SOCIAL
>SCIENCES; SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ECOLOGY; NEO-LIBERALISM AND
>GLOBALIZATION; ANALYSIS OF CAPITALISM; MODELS OF SOCIALISM (Markets,
>Cooperatives, etc.); SOCIAL POLICY (Health, Education, Welfare);
>POLITICAL ECONOMIC THEORY; REVOLUTIONARY THINKERS AND MOVEMENTS; and U.S.
>RELATIONS WITH CUBA & LATIN AMERICA. We are looking for papers,
>commentators, and Commission organizers in these and other areas.
>
>Papers should be no more than 8 pages long so as to maximize discussion
>time at the conference. Commission proposals and paper abstracts are due
>April 1, 2000 with completed papers due May 1. As opportunities for oral
>presentation are limited, priority consideration will be given early
>applicants.
>
>EXTRAS: In addition to the conference, some of the special activities
>being planned include:
>SEMINAR ON THE HISTORY OF CUBAN THOUGHT; WORKSHOP ON THE NEW POLITICAL
>SCIENCE IN CUBA; AFRICAN DERIVED TRADITIONS IN CUBA; and 3 day trips to
>other parts of the country such as Matanzas, Holguin, Camaguey, or
>Guantanamo.
>
>COST: Approximately $1000 for a basic 14 day stay in Havana, all group
>activities included from departure to return. There will be some added
>cost for additional days and for transportation outside of Havana. Some
>scholarship assistance may be available for those with limited means.
>
>DEADLINES: April 1, 2000: abstracts for papers & proposals for commissions
>(1-2 pages)
> May 1, 2000: completed papers (8 pages max.)
> May 1, 2000: completed application (except April 1 for those who need a
>Specific License).
>
> For additional information or to request application materials,
> write Cliff DuRand, 1443 Gorsuch Ave., Baltimore MD 21218
> phone 410-243-3118, FAX 410-235-5325
> e-mail: cdurand@jewel.morgan.edu
>
>
>***********************************************************************
>
>**APPLICATION**
>
>12th CONFERENCE OF NORTH AMERICAN AND CUBAN
>PHILOSOPHERS AND SOCIAL SCIENTISTS
>June 14-28/30, 2000
>
>
>Name______________________________________________________________
>
>
>Home address______________________________________________________
>
>
> city_________________________________ state_______ zip______
>
>
>Work address______________________________________________________
>
>
> city__________________________________ state_______ zip_____
>
>
>home phone______________________ work phone_______________________
>
>
>FAX______________________ e-mail__________________________________
>
>
>Passport number____________________________ place of issue________
>
>
> expiration date________________________ citizenship_________
>
> birth date_______________ birthplace_______________ marital status_____
>
>Status: ____faculty ____graduate student ____undergraduate student
>
> ____other: ____________________
>
> academic department______________________________________
>
>
>Highest academic degree (institution and date) and area of study
>
>
>List major articles & books published
>
>
>Do you know Spanish? If 'yes' check level for reading & speaking:
> ____beginning ____intermediate ____advanced
>
>Have you visited Cuba before? If 'yes' state when & for how long.
>
>
>If you are applying with another person, list name here:
>
>Give the name (address and phone number) of one reference who can recommend
>you and who is known to one of the sponsoring organizations.
>
>
>___ I want to attend as a discussant.
>___ I intend to submit the following paper for the conference
>
>
> Give
>title:______________________________________________________________________
>_____
>
>In addition to the June 19-23 conference in Havana I am interested in the
>following travel option(s) during the second week (tentative):
>
> ____ Matanzas ____ Camaguey
> ____ Holguin ____ Guantanamo
>
>
>For further information contact Cliff DuRand, Cuba Conference Coordinator
>at 410-243-3118, FAX 410-235-5325,
>or e-mail to <cdurand@jewel.morgan.edu>
>
>Complete this application and send with photograph and $30 non-refundable
>application fee ($15 low income) payable to Cuba Conference. Mail to:
>
> Cuba Conference, 1443 Gorsuch Ave., Baltimore MD 21218
>
>
>*****************************
>cdurand@jewel.morgan.edu
>
>1443 Gorsuch Ave.
>Baltimore MD 21218
>
>410-243-3118
>FAX 410-235-5325
>***************************
>
>
Michael A. Lebowitz
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Office: Phone (604) 291-4669
Fax (604) 291-5944
Home: Phone (604) 872-0494
Fax (604) 872-0485
Lasqueti Island: (250) 333-8810
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