The fourth Fujairah International Philosophy Conference will commence on 21 November 2024, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the crown prince of Fujairah, as part of the World Philosophy Day celebrations. The event, taking place at the Philosophy House headquarters, will bring together leading philosophers and scholars from around the globe.

This year’s conference, themed “Philosophical Critique,” marks a first for the Arab world, focusing on this profound and often overlooked aspect of philosophy. The three-day event aims to redefine philosophical critique, exploring its relevance in literature, science, and contemporary culture against the modern “techno-electronic revolution.”

The opening session will feature keynote addresses by Suwanna Satha-Anand, a member of the International Federation of Philosophical Societies, and Purushottama Bilimoria, affiliated with San Francisco University and the University of Melbourne. Their talks will set the tone for discussions on the power of critique in traditional and modern philosophical frameworks.

Leading voices and key sessions
 

The conference agenda features a diverse line-up of distinguished speakers. Ahmed Al-Barqawi, the dean of the House of Philosophy, will open the event with a discussion on the essence of philosophical critique. Renowned Saudi literary critic Abdullah Alghadami will explore the role of cultural critique.

Tunisian philosopher Fathi Triki will delve into “Criticism in Nomad Philosophy.” Meanwhile, Mashhad Al-Allaf, an authority in the philosophy of science, will examine the critique of scientific knowledge. Edwin Etieyibo from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa will challenge Eurocentric viewpoints by emphasizing African and Arabic philosophical traditions. Jim Unah, a professor at the University of Lagos, will provide insights into the Western interpretation of Averroes’ Islamic philosophy.

Other sessions will delve into diverse themes, such as the historical roots of critique, teaching critical thinking, and the intersection of philosophy with contemporary issues. Stella Villarmea will explore the emerging “philosophy of birth” field, adding a unique dimension to the conference discussions.

Bridging theory and practice
 

Beyond scholarly presentations, the conference will include panel discussions, book signings, and a special session to engage younger audiences. Shaikha Alsharqi, alongside education experts, will present findings on teaching philosophy to children, highlighting the impact of early philosophical education.

The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of how philosophical critique can be applied to address real-world challenges, provide a platform for diverse perspectives, and promote intellectual exchange in the region. The conference will conclude on 23 November with a meeting of the presidents of Arab philosophical societies, focused on enhancing collaboration among thinkers in the region.

Launched in 2021 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, crown prince of Fujairah, the Fujairah International Philosophy Conference aligns with World Philosophy Day each year.

The inaugural edition, “Philosophy and the Modern World,” addressed the relevance of philosophical inquiry in tackling contemporary social, political, and ethical issues, featuring speakers such as Saudi literary critic Dr. Abdullah Alghadami.

In 2022, the theme shifted to “Philosophy and Pluralism,” focusing on the dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Senegalese philosopher Dr Souleymane Bachir Diagne and Indian scholar Dr Purushottama Bilimoria made significant contributions.

The 2023 conference explored “Philosophy and Identity,” examining the philosophical dimensions of identity in a globalized world. Notable figures, including Ghanaian-American philosopher Dr Kwame Anthony Appiah and Tunisian thinker Dr Fathi Triki, contributed to discussions on how cultural and social frameworks influence our understanding of identity. Each edition has led to the publication of selected papers, adding to the academic discourse on these subjects and helping to establish the conference as a key venue for philosophical dialogue in the region.