The French Institute of Tunisia (IFT) has announced that Senegalese philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne will be visiting Tunis for a lecture and debate on October 13. The event, titled "The Idea of Universal Hospitality," will take place at the IFT at 6:30 pm local time. Diagne, a distinguished philosopher with a background in mathematics, Islamic thought, and African philosophy, will engage in a discussion with Ahlem Ghayaza on universality, cultural decentering, and translation as a meeting space.
Souleymane Bachir Diagne boasts an impressive academic background, having studied at the École normale supérieure de Paris and earned his State doctorate from the Université Paris-Sorbonne. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, the Université Northwestern de Chicago, and the Université Columbia à New York, where he is currently a professor emeritus. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Édouard-Glissant Prize and the Dagnan-Bouveret Prize.
Diagne's research focuses on the history of philosophy, mathematical logic, and Islamic and African thought. He has authored several books, including "De langue à langue. L'hospitalité de la traduction" (Albin Michel, 2022), "African Art as Philosophy" (The Other Press, 2023), "Universaliser. L'humanité par les moyens d'humanité" (Albin Michel, 2024), and "Ubuntu. Entretien avec Françoise Blum" (Éditions de l'EHESS, 2024). His work often explores themes of universality, translation, and intercultural dialogue.
During his visit to Tunis, Diagne will engage in a discussion with Ahlem Ghayaza on the topics of universality, cultural decentering, and translation. The event will be followed by a book signing session in partnership with the Al Kitab bookstore. This visit is part of a larger academic and cultural exchange between Tunisia and international scholars.
The event at the IFT is a significant cultural and intellectual event in Tunis, offering a platform for Diagne to share his insights and engage with local audiences. The discussion will likely touch on his recent work and research, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with his ideas.
Souleymane Bachir Diagne's visit to Tunis is part of a broader academic circuit, having previously given the inaugural lecture at the Académie Beït al-Hikma in Carthage in October 2022. He has also participated in debates on philosophy in Islam with the Columbia Global Centers in 2018.
The lecture and debate at the IFT will provide a valuable opportunity for Tunisian audiences to engage with Diagne's work and ideas. The event promises to be a stimulating discussion on universality, hospitality, and intercultural dialogue.
Key points
- Souleymane Bachir Diagne will discuss universal hospitality at the French Institute of Tunis on October 13.
- Diagne is a renowned philosopher with a background in mathematics, Islamic thought, and African philosophy.
- The event will include a book signing session with Ahlem Ghayaza and will be held in partnership with the Al Kitab bookstore.
