We aim at creating a comprehensive, multilingual, open-access database of foundational philosophical works worldwide. This initiative seeks to bridge linguistic and cultural divides by including texts from diverse philosophical traditions worldwide. The database will serve as a critical resource for rethinking the global philosophical canon, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. By integrating works from underrepresented regions and languages, this project addresses longstanding gaps in the philosophical landscape. It aims to support both scholarly research and educational initiatives, fostering a more interconnected and equitable understanding of philosophy’s global heritage.

In the first two years, our research focuses on African philosophy, examining its historical and contemporary contributions within a global context. We address challenges such as integrating oral traditions, tracing the institutional history of philosophy in Africa, and understanding the impact of colonial histories on African philosophical thought. By engaging with African scholars and inviting fellows from the continent and the African diaspora, we aim to explore diverse knowledge and language systems and connect them with global philosophical discussions via Lecture Series and Workshops. We also invite the fellows to work with us on our database of foundational philosophical works. This lays the foundation for working on a more inclusive and collaborative understanding of philosophy. → Detailed Research Plan

In years 3–4, our research centers on the traditions and critical perspectives of Latin American and Caribbean philosophy. We explore historical developments, decolonial critiques, and unique contributions to global philosophical discourse. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction of oral and written traditions and the enduring impact of colonial legacies on knowledge systems. This phase fosters dialogue between Latin American, Caribbean and other global philosophies, with a focus on South-South exchanges, challenging Eurocentric frameworks, and enriching the understanding of philosophy’s diverse expressions. Through collaboration with fellows, we aim at widening our cross-cultural perspectives and critically engaging with our database.

We aim to translate and expand Elmar Holenstein’s Philosophie-Atlas to create a dynamic visualization of the global, multilingual, and cross-cultural history of philosophy. This project reimagines the Atlas as a tool for mapping philosophical traditions and their entangled histories across cultures and languages, highlighting connections and interactions often overlooked in traditional accounts. The enhanced Atlas will be accessible to scholars and students worldwide as an open access resource, fostering cross-cultural engagement and a deeper appreciation of philosophy’s interconnected heritage. The Atlas project will also be the basis for conceptualizing new models of philosophical historiography.

Our project includes writing a history of the World Congresses of Philosophy, tracing their evolution as platforms for global philosophical exchange. This work will explore how the congresses have shaped and reflected the shifting dynamics of philosophy as a global discipline, highlighting key debates, participants, and regional contributions over time. The history will address issues of inclusion, representation, the global expansion of philosophical discourse, and the construction of orders of knowledge. This effort aims to document the impact and significance of the World Congresses as milestones in the development of a more interconnected and inclusive philosophical community.