37: Philosopher and Professor Souleymane Diagne on achieving our humanity together

Episode 37 brings you a philosophical view on global cooperation, multilateralism and diversity. We speak with Professor Souleymane Bachir Diagne, a Senegalese philosopher who is currently the Director of the Institute of African Studies, as well as Professor of French and of Philosophy at Columbia University in the City of New York. 

In this conversation, Professor Diagne shares the need to replenish pluralism and diversity in the practice of philosophy today, and to understand the bridges that have connected the philosophies of the world throughout history. He also reflects on global languages, and how each language itself brings a perspective on the world that tests the universality of our own thinking.  

We also touch upon philosophy in our daily lives - how can the principles of philosophy help us to face our common global challenges, including the climate crisis and pandemics? He shares the philosophical concepts he believes are critical to restitute in order to move forward together. 

We hope this episode brings you food for thought and action. 

Resources 

Learn more about Professor Souleymane Diagne: https://french.columbia.edu/content/souleymane-bachir-diagne

Find out about Professor Diagne’s books and publications: https://french.columbia.edu/content/diagne

Read the transcript here: https://bit.ly/2Hf94AK

Content

Speaker: Professor Souleymane Bachir Diagne

Host/Editor: Natalie Alexander 

Producer: Karen Lee

Images: Photo by Charlotte Force / Columbia University in the City of New York. 

Social media designs and transcript: Karen Lee 

Recorded & produced at the UN Geneva Library & Archives