Between Philosophy and Poetry
During her visit to Hildesheim, Professor Tanella Boni shared insights into her academic journey, the influence of various philosophical traditions on her work, and the relationship between philosophy and literature. Her interest in philosophy began in secondary school in Côte d’Ivoire, where an influential teacher encouraged her to participate in a national philosophy competition, which she won. Despite limited encouragement for young women to pursue philosophy at the time, she chose to continue in the field, securing a scholarship to study in France. There, she was introduced to major figures in Western philosophy, including Emmanuel Lévinas and Pierre Hadot, whose work contributed to her intellectual formation.
While her academic training was rooted in Western philosophy, her engagement with African philosophical traditions deepened upon her return to Côte d’Ivoire. She worked alongside scholars such as Paulin Hountondji, Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, and Valentin-Yves Mudimbe, contributing to discussions on African philosophy and its place within global intellectual discourse. She also reflected on the influence of Léopold Sédar Senghor, whose ideas on negritude and humanism shaped her perspective. Her participation in international conferences allowed her to engage with a broad network of scholars and further integrate diverse philosophical perspectives into her work.
As both a philosopher and a writer, Boni discussed the ways in which literature can convey philosophical ideas in forms that differ from traditional academic discourse. While philosophy emphasizes conceptual clarity and structured argumentation, literature can engage with philosophical themes in a way that is accessible to a wider audience. She noted that these two disciplines are not necessarily opposed but can complement each other, as seen in the works of authors such as Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Édouard Glissant.
Throughout the conversation, she highlighted the importance of role models for women in philosophy, the significance of African philosophical thought, and the potential of literature to engage with philosophical questions in new ways. Her reflections offer a perspective on how philosophy and literature intersect and how both contribute to broader discussions on knowledge and society.