Past Conferences

Oct 9-10 2026

20th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indianapolis, IN

Our 20th anniversary meeting featured a Vonnegut and Humor panel, a student paper panel, and a debate on whether Cicero was right, plus an anniversary celebration at The Athenæum and an improv evening. The Joseph S. Ellin Memorial Essay Prize went to Vanessa Voss and the Richard C. Richards Almost Memorial Prize to Steve Gimbel.

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Nov 14-15 2025

19th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Intercontinental Hotel, New Orleans, LA

Featured an Author Meets Critics session on Wilk and Gimbel's In On the Joke: The Ethics of Humor and Comedy, panel discussions, and debates on topics including universal funniness and Dave Chappelle.

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Nov 8-9 2024

18th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

Hosted at the Crawford Building, 7th floor. Featured a panel on Jorge Portilla's Fenomenological del relajo and a debate on whether humor is essentially healing or combative. Organizers: Sophia A. Stone (Lynn University), Andrew Aberdein (Florida Institute of Technology), and Thomas Brommage (Sam Houston State University).

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Nov 10-11 2023

17th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Glacier National Park, MT

A stunning natural setting for philosophical discussions on humor. The conference brought scholars together in the majestic Montana wilderness.

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2022 16th Annual

16th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Details unavailable

Conference details and program for this year are currently unavailable in our archives.

Oct 8-9 2021

15th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL

A return to in-person gatherings following the virtual 14th conference. The Society returned to its Florida roots at St. Petersburg College.

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Apr 9-10 2021

14th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Online Conference (Zoom)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference transitioned to a virtual format, demonstrating that philosophical humor transcends physical boundaries. The Society successfully adapted to bring scholars together online.

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Nov 8-9 2019

13th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX

Historic venue at 204 Alamo Plaza, adjacent to the Alamo. The Victorian elegance of the Menger Hotel provided a unique and memorable setting. Organizer: Elizabeth Victor (William Paterson University of New Jersey).

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Oct 12-13 2018

12th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA

The conference headed to the West Coast for the first time, bringing lighthearted philosophy to sunny California.

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Sep 29-30 2017

11th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Dolphin Beach Resort, Saint Petersburg, FL

A return to our Florida roots! The beachside location provided a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lighthearted philosophical discussions. Organizer: Elizabeth Victor.

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Mar 31 Apr 1 2016

10th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Hilton Garden Inn, St. Augustine Beach, FL

10th Anniversary Celebration! A decade of lighthearted philosophy! The Society celebrated this milestone at the historic St. Augustine Beach.

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Oct 9-10 2015

9th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Embassy Suites Resort & Spa, Deerfield Beach, FL

The conference continued its tradition of gathering at Florida resort locations, bringing together scholars for another year of humorous philosophical inquiry.

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Oct 10-11 2014

8th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Hilton Galveston Island Resort Hotel, Galveston, TX

The first conference held outside of Florida! The Society ventured to Texas for the first time. Organizer: Thomas Brommage.

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Oct 11-12 2013

7th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL

Continuing the tradition at the beloved Thunderbird Beach Resort, the conference brought together another year of scholars dedicated to the philosophy of humor.

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Oct 12-13 2012

6th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL

The Society continued to grow, establishing the Thunderbird Beach Resort as a regular home for lighthearted philosophical inquiry.

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Oct 14-15 2011

5th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Thunderbird Resort, Treasure Island, FL

Five years of lighthearted philosophy! The conference continued to attract scholars interested in both humorous philosophy and the philosophy of humor. Organizer: Dave Monroe.

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Oct 15-16 2010

4th Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, Treasure Island, FL

The conference moved to the beautiful Treasure Island location, beginning a multi-year tradition at the Thunderbird Beach Resort. Organizer: Dave Monroe.

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Oct 16-17 2009

3rd Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Marina Cove, St. Petersburg, FL

The Society's growing reputation attracted more scholars, and the conference format continued to develop its distinctive character. Organizer: Dave Monroe.

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Oct 17-18 2008

2nd Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

St. Petersburg College (Gibbs Campus Library), St. Petersburg, FL

The second gathering expanded on the success of the first, moving to an academic venue while maintaining the lighthearted spirit. Organizer: Dave Monroe.

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Oct 20 2007

1st Annual Lighthearted Philosophers' Conference

Bishop Tavern, St. Petersburg, FL

Where it all began! Dave Monroe and a group of like-minded scholars held the first official conference of the Lighthearted Philosophers' Society. What started as a spoof conference for funny papers would grow into a respected academic organization. Organizer: Dave Monroe.

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