Category: Research Talks
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Philosophizing in Akan: The Genetic-Analytic Method and Bottom-Up Approaches to Conceptual Translation
The GloPhi Center recently hosted a research talk featuring Richmond Kwesi (University of Ghana) in dialogue with an international panel of philosophers. The discussion revisited Kwesi’s concept of a “genetic-analytic” method of doing philosophy in African languages, especially Akan, and examined its relationship to decolonial approaches. Kwesi and the participants engaged in a rich debate on…
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Philosophizing in Many Languages: Translation, Proto-Philosophy, and Middle Voice Agency
As a follow-up to his lecture “Philosophy and the Plurality of Languages” in the series Philosophizing in African Languages, Rolf Elberfeld engaged in a rich research talk with colleagues and fellows at the Center for Advanced Studies. The discussion continued the lecture’s core argument that the diversity of languages is fundamental to the practice of philosophy.…
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Wrestling with Knowledge: Perspectives from the Wolof Tradition (with Monika Rohmer)
In her recent lecture titled “Wrestling with Philosophy: Mbër as a Point of Departure for Analyzing Philosophical Texts in Wolof,” Monika Rohmer explored how the concepts of mbër and bëre (Wolof for “wrestler” and “wrestling”) can inform our understanding of philosophy. By taking the figure of the wrestler as a starting point, Rohmer’s presentation raised fundamental questions about the definition of…
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Sub-Saharan Islamic Archives and African Philosophy (with Ousmane Kane)
In a recent lecture, Professor Ousmane Kane presented his ongoing research on “The Islamic Archive and Intellectual History in Sub-Saharan Africa.” As a follow-up to this event, we held a research talk at our Center for Advanced Studies to discuss the topic together with experts from diverse fields. The conversation underscored key intellectual tensions in…
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Poetic Polylogue: Philosophical Voices from the Swahili Coast (with Kai Kresse, Najeeb Ahmad and Kadara Swaleh)
In a recent Research Talk at our Center for Advanced Studies, Professor Kai Kresse, in cooperation with filmmaker Najeeb Ahmad and anthropologist Kadara Swaleh, explored the rich intellectual world of Swahili poetry as a medium for philosophical reflection. The discussion connected to their lecture on “Swahili Philosophical Discourse in East African Lifeworlds.” Swahili poetry, as the speakers…
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Suffering as a Common Ground for Philosophizing (with Rolf Elberfeld)
The following research talk with Prof. Rolf Elberfeld served as a follow-up to his previous lecture, “What is Philosophy, or, How to Philosophize?”, which was part of a double lecture on “What is Philosophy?” co-presented with Prof. Anke Graness during last semester’s lecture series. During this engaged academic exchange, participants critically explored Elberfeld’s innovative approach…
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Rethinking Polylogue as a Philosophical Method (with Anke Graness)
The Center for Advanced Studies recently hosted a research discussion with Prof. Anke Graness as a continuation of the lecture “What is Philosophy? A Retrospective and a Perspective” co-presented with Prof. Rolf Elberfeld. The event provided a platform for an engaged academic exchange among faculty and invited scholars, including Wilfred Lajul, Monika Rohmer, Abbed Kanoor,…
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Proverbs as Sources of Philosophizing (with Wilfred Lajul)
The Center for Advanced Studies hosted a research discussion with Prof. Wilfred Lajul (University of Gulu, Uganda), following his lecture on The Relevance of Proverbs in African Philosophy. Moderated by Anke Graness, the conversation focused on the philosophical significance of proverbs, their universality, and the broader implications for intercultural philosophy. Contributions came from several participants, including…
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Poetry, Literature, and Structural Barriers for African Philosophies (with Tanella Boni)
Ivorian philosopher, poet, and novelist Tanella Boni was recently invited to the GloPhi Center for an in-depth research talk that ranged across literary form, linguistic diversity, oral traditions, publication challenges, and the broader socio-political conditions shaping African philosophical production. Drawing from her own literary and philosophical practice, Boni offered reflective insights into the situatedness of…
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Skeptical Philosophy and Its Contemporary Implications (with Lars Leeten)
The Center for Advanced Studies in Philosophy recently hosted a Research Talk with Dr. Lars Leeten, who explored the intellectual and practical significance of skeptical philosophy based on his recent lecture on “Skeptical Philosophizing.” His presentation examined skepticism’s historical roots, contemporary applications, and its role in shaping philosophical inquiry, education, and political thought.