We, the TEMPO board, are concerned about the underrepresentation of scholarship in Early Modern philosophy by BIPOC and members of other historically underrepresented groups in the United States and abroad. We are, further, concerned about the distorting effects of the continued emphasis on the narrow range of thinkers, methods, and concepts that are taken to be traditional, canonical, and essential to the study and understanding of Early Modern philosophy.

Moreover, the very thinkers held up as canonical bear responsibility for establishing and perpetuating harmful ideas related to gender, race, and class. As Early Modern scholars, we see ourselves as positioned to study these harms and their perpetuation, and as responsible for helping to ameliorate them.

While no single conference can redress these harms, we strongly encourage nominations (including self-nominations) of scholars or panels that will help to center scholarship that promotes these goals.

Beyond incorporation of non-canonical figures, this conference aims to work toward gender parity, racial diversity and diversity of presenters' positions within the profession whenever possible. We seek to expand participants' ability to teach in ways that challenge the canon in terms of the narratives, content, and figures presented, as well as the form of philosophical presentation. You are welcome to view our past programs.