Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco

The Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco host a major conference by philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne, titled “Universalisme, universel et traduction” (“Universalism, the Universal and Translation”), exploring one of the most pressing philosophical questions of our time: how to rethink the idea of the universal in a plural and post-colonial world.

This conference is part of the prestigious Prix de la Principauté, awarded in 2024 to Diagne for his entire philosophical work, in recognition of a career dedicated to rethinking the relationship between cultures, knowledge systems and forms of universality.

Souleymane Bachir Diagne and the challenge of universal thought

In his lecture, Souleymane Bachir Diagne reflects on the legacy of Enlightenment philosophy and the critiques of colonial violence, warning against two common misunderstandings.

First, he argues against reducing the critique of Enlightenment thinkers such as Kant into a total rejection of their thought. Second, he warns against concluding that the notion of the “universal” should be abandoned entirely as inherently imperial.

Instead, Diagne proposes a more nuanced approach: a plural and dialogical universalism, built through encounters between languages, cultures and worldviews.

Universalism beyond empire: a philosophy of translation

At the heart of the conference is a key idea: the universal should not be imposed from a single cultural center, but constructed through a process of continuous translation.

For Diagne, translation is not merely linguistic—it is philosophical. It represents a way of building a shared human space without erasing differences.

This approach aligns with the idea of multilateral thinking, inspired by philosophers such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty, where meaning emerges through interaction rather than domination.

A universal rooted in plurality and dialogue

The philosopher advocates for a form of universalism that emerges from the diversity of the world, where every culture and language is considered equal in value.

Rather than isolating cultures into rigid identities or “incommensurable” blocks, Diagne defends the existence of a shared human space—a common ground of humanity—that translation helps to reveal and expand.

This vision directly challenges rigid identitarian frameworks and promotes openness, dialogue, and intellectual exchange.

The Prix de la Principauté: honoring philosophical excellence

The conference was delivered as part of the Prix de la Principauté, awarded annually by the Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco in collaboration with the founders of the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco:

Charlotte Casiraghi
Robert Maggiori
Raphael Zagury-Orly

The prize recognizes a philosopher’s entire body of work, celebrating contributions that open new paths in philosophy and engage with fields such as politics, theology, anthropology, ethics, and psychoanalysis.

Souleymane Bachir Diagne received the award on October 8, 2024, at the iconic Salle Garnier in Monaco.

Philosophy in Monaco: a space for global intellectual dialogue

The Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco continue to position the Principality as a key international hub for contemporary philosophical debate.

Through conferences such as this one, the institution promotes reflection on urgent global issues, including:

cultural pluralism

post-colonial thought
ethics of globalization
dialogue between traditions

Booking and participation

The conference “Universalisme, universel et traduction” is available for reservation via the official platform of the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco:
https://philomonaco.com/evenements/universalisme-universel-et-traduction-conference-de-souleymane-bachir-diagne/

Souleymane Bachir Diagne’s lecture in Monaco offers a powerful redefinition of universalism—not as a fixed or imposed concept, but as an evolving practice shaped by translation, dialogue and cultural plurality. A key contribution to contemporary philosophical debates on identity, difference and global coexistence.