Senegalese philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne, professor at Columbia University and director of its Institute of African Studies, stands as one of today’s leading voices in global philosophy. Formerly teaching at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and Northwestern University in Chicago, Diagne’s scholarship bridges continents and traditions. His work explores the shared roots of African philosophy, Islamic thought, and modern logic, all in pursuit of a universal conversation about reason and meaning.
Diagne's current interests are the history of early modern philosophy, philosophy and tradition in the Islamic world, African philosophy and literature, and twentieth century French philosophy. His research celebrates the art of interpretation, a continual dialogue to interpret between worlds, texts, and traditions.
"No civilisation is an island closed in on itself” -Souleymane Bachir Diagne
Diagne dismantles the Western divide between belief and logic. Drawing on Islamic philosophy and African humanism, Diagne invites readers into a “space of plural reason” — a realm where spirituality and intellect speak the same language. Here, the Gospel isn’t the enemy of reason but its companion in the search for understanding, reminding us that wisdom can flow from both revelation and reflection.