A Night of Philosophy in New York City

On Friday, April 24, A Night of Philosophy, a twelve hour marathon of European and American philosophy and artistic performances, will take place in the unique setting of the French Cultural Services and Ukrainian Institute of America landmark mansions, on Fifth Avenue and 79th Street (New York), between 7 pm and 7 am the next day.

The entire event is free and open to all.

This dynamic and invigorating happening will include 60 philosophers and incorporate a total of over 80 events, ranging from philosophy talks to artistic performances, dance, live readings, video art, musical performances, songs, recitals, installation and DJ sets. Intellectual excellence, riveting existential themes and a social and playful environment are at the core of A Night of Philosophy. These same ingredients led to staggering success for previous editions in Berlin (2014), London (2013) and Paris (2010); all were organized by the same philosopher and stage director behind the New York event: Mériam Korichi.

For centuries, Europe and America have sustained an engaging philosophical exchange around continental and analytical thought that colors their common history. Stemming from this intellectual legacy, A Night of Philosophy 2015 grants New Yorkers immersive exposure to contemporary philosophical thought in an accessible format. The themes of the 20 minute talks are designed to appeal to all audiences; topics include: “Honor Now”, “Freedom of Speech”, “Must intellectual Life Be Boring?”, “Do We Really Want to be Equal?”, “I think therefore I can”.

Participating philosophers are distinguished professors at some of the best philosophy departments in Europe and in the United States. Among participants are: Antony Appiah, Emily Apter, Chiara Bottici, Monique Canto-Sperber, Barbara Cassin, Simon Critchley, Daniel Garber, Bruno Karsenti, Sandra Laugier, Alexander Rosenberg and Francis Wolff.

Specially commissioned artists have been invited to present works that elaborate on the theme of philosophy in an original way. These performances will take place every hour and act as counterparts to philosophical discussions. Among the performers are French and American artists such as: Karol Beffa, Stéphane Thidet, Julien Bismuth, Ofri Cnaani, Manuel Cirauqui and Iván Navarro, Clifford Owens, Trisha Bauman, Mónica de la Torre and Matthew Caws. Films by Nicolas Moulin and Susan Hiller, among others, will also be screened.

A Night of Philosophy is an event created and staged by Mériam Korichi. It is co-presented by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, FACE Foundation, the Onassis Cultural Center NY and the Ukrainian Institute of America. Its visual identity was created in collaboration with La Rêveuse.

A Night of Philosophy is made possible by The Florence Gould Foundation, Institut français, PSL University Research and Centre national des arts plastiques. Major support is provided by Air France, Babeth’s Feast, French-American Foundation, Holiday Inn NYC–Lower East Side and La Rêveuse. Generous support is provided by Columbia University, Alliance Program, ENS de Lyon, Institut Jean Nicod, Princeton University, CNRS GDRI PLOCO, ENS Paris, Centre Atlantique de Philosophie, The City University of New York, University of Virginia, University of California, Riverside, University of Michigan.