Past Events

Many of today’s most pressing problems – climate change, political polarization, equal access to education – are complex in nature, giving rise to both practical and ethical concerns. The burgeoning field of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) harnesses the expertise and methods from both the social sciences and philosophy to make meaningful progress on these multifaceted issues. This speaker series serves as a collaborative nexus, bringing together social scientists and philosophers to discuss and disseminate cutting-edge research at the heart of PPE.

On June 18 and 19, 2024, UB Philosophy hosted the first annual “Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Frontier Workshop” on the theme of creativity, exploration, and generativity in the open society. Philosophers of science and political philosophers came together from around the country to discuss the nature and dynamics of the “open society” — a society in which members are free to challenge existing beliefs, values, and rules. Presentations covered topics ranging from evolution to artificial intelligence, and participants continued these discussions outside of the conference room as they enjoyed meals and a boat tour on Lake Erie. The philosophy department and the PPE program plan to host a similar workshop every summer.