The presentation of the two new publications of Professor Souleymane Bachir Diagne, held on Saturday January 18, 2025, at L’Harmattan, was marked by profound reflections on philosophy and universality. The event, organized as part of the “Arthéroges de la matin”, brought together academics, publishers, students and a wide audience, testifying to the intellectual and academic impact of Professor Diagne.
The two works, although distinct in their themes, share one thing in common: the exploration of the link between the particular and the universal. Professor Diagne develops a reflection which establishes that universality is not a timeless and abstract concept, but an active construction anchored in cultural and historical realities. The central idea is based on humanity as a collective and reciprocal process.
The strong points of the discussions were the construction of humanity, the impact of philosophy in society and references to the concept of Ubuntu. Professor Diagne explained that universality is forged through dialogue of cultures and mutual recognition. It is based on the idea that “becoming human” implies co-construction with others, a principle summarized in the Bantu word Ubuntuwhich the author associates with the idea of “co-humanity”.
During his interventions, the philosopher insisted on the role of philosophical reflection in contemporary issues. According to him, philosophy, far from being an intellectual luxury, is a necessity to inform political and social decisions, particularly in crisis contexts.
References to the concept of Ubuntu
Professor Diagne commented at length on the ethics of Ubuntu, explaining its emergence as a political concept in post-apartheid South Africa. He also explored parallels with similar notions in other African cultures, such as Nity in Wolof, which also evokes the idea of responsibility and becoming human through others.
-In Universalizing “humanity through the means of humanity” (Albin Michel, 2024), Professor Souleymane Bachir Diagne explores the notion of universality by emphasizing the need for intercultural dialogue. The philosopher reflects on what it means to be “universal” in a world marked by cultural diversity and historical differences. He pleads for a conception of universality which is not uniform or dominating, but which is enriched by cultural particularities and local specificities. Professor Bachir Diagne’s book is part of a philosophical approach consisting of deconstructing the hierarchies of systems of thought to promote a globality based on plurality and exchange, where each culture contributes to a common humanity without denying its own singularity.
The event was punctuated by questions and debates on the applicability of the ideas developed by Professor Diagne. Participants discussed how these concepts could be integrated into educational curricula and policy practices. This morning of reflection highlighted the depth and relevance of the work of Souleymane Bachir Diagne, whose recent publications invite us to rethink philosophy as a tool for social transformation and the construction of a shared humanity. The message of universality and interconnectedness resonated strongly with participants, cementing the importance of these contributions in the contemporary intellectual landscape.
LAMINE DIEDHIOU
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