Key Information
Proposals due June 30th, 2026 to posttruthconference@gmail.com
Decision of acceptance communicated by July 15th, end of day
Dates: October 29th-30th, 2026
Location: University of Memphis, specific locations TBD
Fee: TBD
Overview
“Post-truth,” broadly understood, denotes a general erosion of mutually shared reality, resulting in what some term an “epistemic crisis.” Such an ostensible epistemic crisis ranges in degree from the outright negation of commonly understood truth to a shift in how we categorically define, measure, or use truth. “Post-truth” as conceptual problematic has thus also been instantiated and reflected in various practical applications: mis-/dis-information; “fake news”; the rise of conspiracy theorization; artificial intelligence; censorship, suppression/repression, and manipulation; etc.
The growing pervasiveness of such an epistemic crisis (i.e., “post-truth”) has implicated numerous academic disciplines: communication and rhetoric; psychology; journalism; political science; history; sociology; philosophy; writing studies; etc. While practical divergences emerge between disciplines in terms of how “post-truth” is pursued in specificity, there is now an exigence for inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration on such an epistemic crisis.
The University of Memphis Post-Truth Collective invites 250-word (max) abstract proposals for the Mapping Post-Truth across Disciplines Conference, to be held at the University of Memphis on October 29-30th, 2026. We invite submissions from graduate students and faculty from all disciplines on a range of related topics, including but not limited to:
- Epistemology
- Social Ontology
- Fake news
- Mis- and Dis-information
- Artificial Intelligence
- Rhetorical Invention
- Conspiracy Theories
- Censorship, Repression/Suppression, Manipulation
- Journalism Ethics and Laws
- Bots and Algorithms
- The Mandela Effect
- Affect
- Aesthetics
- Screen Culture
- Education Policy
- Media Literacy
- Jurisprudence
- Writing Studies
- History
- Group Psychology
- Popular Culture
- Media Studies/Theory
- Religious Studies
We are particularly interested in proposals that produce generative solutions to the “post-truth” problematic, rather than critical, analytic diagnostics and descriptions of what it is. The goal of this conference is to seek trans- and inter-disciplinary collaboration on potential resolutions, (re)appropriations, and productive rethinking of (post-)truth, especially in the service of common good well-being.
Conference Objectives
Because the primary objective of the conference is to facilitate inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration on similar sub-topics pursued by scholars in different disciplines, panels will include 3-4 presenters from different disciplines. In the event a group of inter- and/or trans-disciplinary scholars would like to propose a complete panel, please submit an abstract with 250-word (max) abstracts and a 250-word (max) summative rationale for the panel. As an alternative to publication of conference proceedings, this conference will generate a white paper at the conclusion of the conference. Such a white paper could turn into an edited collection, contingent upon conference attendees’ interest.
Conference Information
Please submit all conference proposals, as well as any questions or concerns, to Dr. Scott Sundvall: posttruthconference@gmail.com by June 30th, 2026. Decisions of acceptance will be communicated by July 15th, end of day. Keynote Speaker: Zahid R. Chaudhary, Princeton University. Thursday evening (October 29th).
Contact Information
Dr. Scott Sundvall, Associate Professor, University of Memphis
Contact Email
posttruthconference@gmail.com
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