The Center for Advanced Studies GloPhi – Philosophizing in a Globalized World is dedicated to fundamentally rethinking and expanding the boundaries of philosophical inquiry. Our mission is to engage in a globally oriented and inclusive approach to philosophy, one that transcends the traditional Eurocentric frameworks that have long defined the discipline. We aim to foster a scholarly environment where diverse philosophical traditions, perspectives, and histories are brought into critical dialogue, thus contributing to the development of a genuinely global philosophy.

One of the core task of the center is to create a digital, openly accessible encyclopedia of philosophical practices and “works” in various languages, especially non-European languages. Contrary to common and prevailing views within the discipline (e.g. that philosophy has its origins in Europe alone and is therefore essentially a European tradition), the center takes a polylogical-global approach to the concept of philosophy and the order of knowledge in philosophy. In the first four years, we will focus primarily on philosophical currents in Africa and Latin America. The center works together with international fellows on the challenges facing philosophy as a discipline today. 

GloPhi responds to the urgent need to address the longstanding imbalance in the field of philosophy, where the canon has been predominantly shaped by European and North American intellectual traditions. By contrast, our center emphasizes the inclusion of philosophical contributions from other regions—particularly Africa, Latin America, Asia and Indigenous traditions. We are committed to exploring how these diverse sources of thought can be integrated into the philosophical discourse to challenge established norms and expand the scope of what is recognized as philosophy.

Our research is grounded in a methodological openness that draws upon both historical and systematic perspectives, encouraging a comparative and intercultural approach. We believe that the future of philosophy lies in a polyphonic dialogue that includes voices, texts, and practices previously marginalized or excluded. To be as inclusive as possible, we work on systematically exploring the notion of Polylogue as a philosophical method. By assembling and curating a multilingual corpus of philosophical works from across the globe, we seek to make accessible those texts and traditions that have been systematically overlooked and bring them into a comparative and interconnected perspective. This initiative aims not only to broaden the philosophical canon but also to critically examine the very categories and assumptions that underlie its construction.

In alignment with our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, GloPhi prioritizes the integration of marginalized perspectives, particularly those of scholars from the Global South who are pushing the boundaries of philosophical practice. Through fellowships, workshops, and collaborative projects, we seek to support these voices, ensuring that the global dialogue in philosophy is as inclusive as it is rigorous. Ultimately, the mission of GloPhi is to contribute to the transformation of philosophy into a truly global discipline that is responsive to the complexities of our interconnected world. By critically engaging with different intellectual traditions and practices, we aim to develop new, more inclusive frameworks for understanding what it means to philosophize in a globalized context.