Echoes : Reviving arab philosophy and its relevance in the modern world

Pr. Ali Benmakhlouf (CAS/UM6P)

Dr. Ahmed Tayel (Language Center / UM6P)

March 12, 2025

On episode two—part 1 of Echoes Podcast, host Dr. Ahmed Tayel engages in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Ali Benmakhlouf, a world-famous Moroccan philosopher, regarding the position and role of philosophy in contemporary thinking. Dr. Benmakhlouf begins by answering a fundamental question: “What is philosophy, and why does it matter?” He believes that philosophy is not about providing final answers but a conditioning of the mind in asking the right questions—a school of thought that sharpens the way we understand knowledge, ethics, and human life. He draws inspiration from Ibn Sina, Al-Farabi, and Ibn Rushd, citing how controversy and questioning have been at the centre of Arab and Islamic intellectual heritages, shaping society’s understanding of universal truths. He claims that philosophy assists in steering common concerns by making sure that the questions we pose are correct, pertinent, and headed towards meaningful discourse.