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The Truth and Silence Project: A Soft-Spoken Philosophy Fest in the Northern Territory

Updated: Nov 9, 2021

11-12 November 2021


Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the unceded land on which we are developing this project, the Larrakia people. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.


The Project

Truth and Silence is a new event in the Philosophy in Action webinar series and the Australasian Philosothon project. It is organised in the context of a collaboration between the Philosophy in Community Committee of the Australasian Association of Philosophy, Charles Darwin University, and the University of Western Australia. The theme for this endeavour is ‘truth and silence’.


Truth and Silence is a celebration of the diverse philosophies of the Northern Territory. The project is part of the Philosophy in Action webinar series and the Australasian Philosothon project. The relations of the pursuit of truth to silence vary as a function of how one interprets the term ‘silence’. Some individuals, groups, and institutions have the power to silence the voices of others—for example, others who have dissenting voices or are minorities. Silencing dissent hinders or prevents the communication of any truths that dissenting voices would have communicated, had they not been silenced. Silencing of truth-telling can cause societal harms. But there are other kinds of silence, kinds that may empower disenfranchised voices and facilitate our access to truths. Consider in that category institutions that scaffold truth-telling, respectful quietness and noise reduction that enable attentive listening, minutes of silence, and any productive pauses in the pace of hectic digital lives. These kinds of silence can interrupt denial and facilitate our listening to, and discovery of new truths and worlds. So, which kind of silence do you view as ethically right? Which kind of silence do you want to enact? Is there an act of silence that is expressive of the person you strive to become? Is there a voice that has been silenced for too long? What is your favourite question, quote, or philosophy about truth and silence? Have you just discovered a silence that you wish to break? What are the works of art that engage with truth and silence? Do people play games about truth and silence?


Truth and Silence—our project—offers you an opportunity to address any of these questions. To participate, anyone is kindly invited to (1) submit philosophical thoughts and creative works on social media and (2) attend a series of online presentations.


Awards


First, in the context of the Truth and Silence project, we invite anyone to submit philosophical reflections and creative works about truth and silence. All you need do is consider your own experience on the topic of silence and truth, articulate a question, and present it by means of a philosophical text or creative work. Participants will be invited to meet with the selection committee, which will award several $100 vouchers.


For more information:




2021 Keynote Addresses


Second, the Truth and Silence project will feature presentations that connect, directly or indirectly, to truth and silence. Thus far, we have planned the webinars which follow. If you wish to attend these webinars, please RSVP by sending an email with your name to digitalartsNT@gmail.com.


The Hum of Collaboration, a keynote online presentation by Jennifer Deger (Professor of Digital Humanities, Charles Darwin University). Date: Thursday, 11 November 2021, 2:00-3:30 PM ACST (2:30-4:00 PM AEST).


For more information:



Curious Question, a keynote online presentation by Kara Vaughan, HDR student at the University of Queensland, and Professional Network Coordinator at IMPACT Centre Department of Education, and Pedagogy Coach at Helensvale State High School. Date: Friday, 12 November 2021, 10:00 AM ACST (Darwin time) and 10:30 AM AEST (Brisbane time) Further details at this URL: https://www.digitalartsnt.space/post/curious-question.


For more information


Organisation Committee

Nicolas Bullot (principal convenor) in collaboration with Jennifer Deger, Allyce Maree, Sulay Jalloh, Kellie Pollard, Kara Vaughan, and Rob Wilson.


Sponsors and Funding Acknowledgement

The Truth and Silence project was made possible by a collaboration between the Philosophy in Community Committee of the Australasian Association of Philosophy, Charles Darwin University, and the University of Western Australia. We acknowledge and thank these funding sources: Templeton Religion Trust for TRT00390 Grant Philosothon Project to Rob Wilson and colleagues, and SSAF grant to Nicolas Bullot.






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