The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced the conclusion of the fifth edition of the Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2025 , hosted by the King Fahd National Library over three consecutive days. This year's conference, themed "Philosophy Between East and West: Concepts, Origins, and Mutual Influences," underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering intellectual and cultural exchange in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
cultural context and growing intellectual movement
The organization of this conference comes within the context of the comprehensive cultural renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing, where interest in philosophy is no longer confined to narrow academic circles but has become a public matter attracting thousands of interested individuals. This fifth edition is a continuation of the successes of previous years, which have placed Riyadh on the map of knowledge-producing capitals. Through this platform, the Authority seeks to create an environment conducive to critical thinking, promote the values of dialogue and intellectual tolerance, and connect heritage roots with contemporary issues.
The conference's main themes and philosophical discussions
The conference halls witnessed a great intellectual momentum through the presentation of fundamental issues that addressed:
- The Roots of Philosophy: The first day discussed the nature of philosophizing in ancient civilizations, and the concepts of existence and imitation, with a focus on the question of "origin" as a key to understanding the development of schools of thought.
- Intermingling between East and West: The second day was devoted to reviewing the overlap between Eastern and Greek philosophies, highlighting the contributions of Muslim philosophers such as Ibn Sina, and the role of the Arabic language in formulating philosophical terminology.
- Contemporary Issues: The closing day focused on geophilosophy, the philosophy of children’s literature, and the future of aesthetics, with the participation of the world-renowned thinker Dr. John Armstrong.
Regional and international impact of the event
The conference's impact extended far beyond the local level, becoming an international platform for intercultural dialogue. With over 60 speakers from among the world's leading philosophers and thinkers, and more than 40 dialogue sessions , the conference successfully built bridges of communication between diverse cultures. The attendance of over 7,000 visitors the public's thirst for knowledge and underscores the Kingdom's success in leading the region's cultural landscape, setting a commendable example of intellectual openness.
Youth empowerment and philosophical debates
As part of the Authority's commitment to empowering future generations, this edition featured philosophical debates for Saudi university students. This initiative aims not only to foster competition but also to cultivate critical thinking skills, the art of dialogue, and the ability to construct logical arguments among Saudi youth, thus contributing to the development of a generation capable of addressing contemporary intellectual challenges with awareness and competence. At the conclusion of the event, the Authority's CEO, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, presented the winning team with their awards, emphasizing the importance of these young talents in building the future.
The conference concluded with recommendations and widespread praise for the solid scientific content, confirming that Riyadh has become a beacon of philosophical thought and a major destination for intellectuals and knowledge seekers from around the world.
