Over the last decade academic philosophy, insofar as it has directed attention to “trans theory” (TT), has for the most part taken a philosophically uncritical approach. That is, TT has been welcomed into the contemporary canon without the kind of critical attitude normally expressed in other areas of philosophy. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy now has an entry on “Trans Philosophy” and this area of publication is currently thriving. But critical voices have not been received into this burgeoning area of research with similar opportunities of expression and many academic philosophers have faced significant obstacles to being heard or published. See here: https://philosophersmag.com/on-being-rejected/ and here: https://philpapers.org/rec/IMBTBS .
As a result of these institutional obstacles, comparatively few scholars, including students in the discipline, are aware of some of the work being done “under the radar”. The often serious philosophical shortcomings of much of the material that currently dominates the mainstream discussion of Trans and Gender Identity (GI) related academic production remains largely unchallenged, not least because of the professional risks of open engagement with these theories. A critical assessment of TT and its problems is largely missing in the literature, so there is a gap in research output (critical of TT) that needs to be filled. An edited book is the answer to this problem.
Abstracts are invited for an edited collection of papers on the topic of: “Philosophical Problems of Trans Theory”, edited by Miroslav Imbrišević and Leslie A. Howe. We envision 12-14 essays, examining the epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical problems involved in TT and GI theorising. Each contribution will be peer reviewed internally by fellow contributors, as well as by the editors.
Time line:
abstracts (1000-1500 words) by 1st December 2026 (or earlier);
first drafts (book-chapter length) are due 1st May 2027;
publication: autumn 2027 or early 2028.
Please send your extended abstracts (1000-1500 words), short biographical information, and an indicative list of your publications to: miro.philosopher@gmail.com„>miro.philosopher@gmail.com . Informal enquiries to the editors are welcome.
