Engaging Indian Philosophy with Contemporary Philosophy of Religion
The Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2 is dedicated to transforming the philosophy of religion into a truly global and diverse field of inquiry. It aims to expand the field beyond its usual boundaries by including traditions that are frequently overlooked in contemporary philosophy debates in Anglophone academia, and by addressing contemporary challenges that explore profound questions about the ends of humanity, the shape of a purposeful and meaningful life, what it is to live well, and the role (if any) fundamental spiritual realities like God play in answering such questions.
The project's final conference takes place in Mumbai.
“India is a critical place for global philosophy of religion and the philosophy of meaning in life.”
With a longstanding history of multifaith practices, where the co-existence of perspectives includes that of tradition and modernity, India has, in the organisers' words, a unique approach to engaging religious principles, metaphysics, epistemology, transformative technologies of the self, ethics and social values in light of addressing the question of meaning in life.
| Travel-funding applications (extended abstracts) | 12 August 2026, extended to 26 August 2026 closed |
| Notification of acceptance and sponsorship (funded applicants) | 31 August 2026 passed |
| Applications to present without funding | 15 September 2026 closed |
| Conference | 11–13 January 2027 upcoming |
The organisers welcome papers that address questions concerning the nature and role of spiritual reality, the meaning and purpose in/of human life, and issues of how to live.
Papers focusing on philosophico-religious traditions particularly relevant to the region, which bring them in dialogue with global traditions:
Hinduism “including but not restricted to” the schools listed.
Both deadlines have passed: 26 August 2026 (extended) for travel-funding applications and 15 September 2026 for speakers not requesting funding.
Full call for abstracts (PDF)Selected scholars presenting at the conference.
An extended abstract (up to 1,000 words) and a brief abstract (up to 150 words), through the organisers' online form.
Awardees are selected on the basis of the quality of their extended abstracts. Notification was due by 31 August 2026.
Not yet announced by the organisers.
Three days, 11–13 January 2027.
The day-by-day programme has not yet been published. The organisers say a full website will follow closer to the conference date.
Organised in collaboration with the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay.
The exact venue has not yet been announced.
Registration details have not yet been published. For now, write to the organisers.
Email the organisersFor further information: gpr@contacts.bham.ac.uk
The Global Philosophy of Religion project is run by the Birmingham Centre for Philosophy of Religion, Department of Philosophy, University of Birmingham.
Official conference page