Sir Francis Bacon and Thomas Hobbes are associated with the phrase, “Knowledge is power,” articulated by both writers about four centuries ago. Their assessment of the value of knowledge is all the more relevant in the “now” of 2025, when we are forced to contend with the implications of “fake” knowledge, including the often-suspect productions of generative artificial intelligence.  This proposed session will feature papers that examine the intersection of knowledge and power—or the lack thereof—in a variety of literary contexts, including our current historical moment but also including the knowledge/power dynamics of earlier centuries.  Papers might address the power acquired through knowledge but might also focus on the implications of the powerlessness brought by willful ignorance and aliteracy.  Please submit a 250-word abstract, brief bio, and A/V requests as one document by the EXTENDED DEADLINE of 1 July 2025 at https://samla.ballastacademic.com/Home/S/19289 (Look for the green “Submit Abstract” button.). Questions may be addressed to bprobertson@troy.edu.

More information about SAMLA and the conference:  https://southatlanticmla.org/

 https://southatlanticmla.org/

 bprobertson@troy.edu

 Ben P. Robertson