Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2025 Concludes With Rich Discussions On Eastern And Western Philosophies

The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2025, organised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently concluded its fifth edition at the King Fahd National Library. The event, themed "Philosophy Between East and West: Concepts, Origins, and Mutual Influences," attracted a diverse audience of thinkers, researchers, and philosophy enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and beyond. Over three days, the conference offered a rich academic program addressing key philosophical issues.

On the first day, discussions delved into Eastern and Western philosophizing methods. Topics included mimesis, existence, and philosophical distance. These concepts were examined for their impact on meaning-making and school development. Sessions also traced philosophy's roots in ancient civilizations, Greek thought, and Eastern traditions. This exploration highlighted origins as crucial for understanding modern philosophical evolution.

The second day focused on intersections between Eastern and Greek philosophies. It highlighted renewed global interest in Eastern thought since the 1970s. Discussions included Ibn Sina's influence and the Quranic dialogical tradition as models for constructing meaning and logical argumentation. Participants engaged with theories of communicative action, justice frameworks in dialogue, and Arabic's role in shaping philosophical concepts.

The final day featured discussions on East-West philosophical interactions today. Topics like geophilosophy, intellectual bridges, children's literature, and philosophy were covered. Dr. John Armstrong led a session titled "The Future of Beauty." Panels examined intellectual coexistence between schools and how philosophies address contemporary issues.

Throughout the conference, participants explored philosophy's theoretical and practical dimensions. They discussed methodological tools for concept generation and problem analysis. The future of philosophy education in the Arab world was also considered for its role in fostering critical thinking.

Engaging Debates and Workshops

A series of debates featuring Saudi university students spanned three days of thoughtful dialogue. These debates showcased an inspiring model for philosophy's future in Saudi Arabia through critical insight and genuine pursuit of meaning. The final competition saw the winning team honoured by Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Alwasel.

Workshops on philosophical argumentation provided practical training opportunities to move philosophy from theory to practice. Sessions addressed modern epistemic challenges and ways to draw on philosophical heritage to shape contemporary intellectual visions.

Global Participation and Impact

The fifth edition featured 60 speakers from around the world across more than 40 dialogue sessions exploring philosophy's roots and developmental trajectories. With over 7,000 visitors attending, it reflected growing interest in philosophy within Saudi Arabia.

The event concluded with praise for its scholarly content and engaging discussions across platforms. It reaffirmed its status as a global platform advancing intellectual awareness while strengthening Saudi Arabia's cultural role regionally and internationally.

This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals supporting knowledge development by enhancing human capital through such intellectual gatherings that foster cultural exchange globally.

With inputs from SPA