Philosophy in Russia

An American in Moscow

Tim Madigan reports from the 4th Russian Congress of Philosophy.

I had the pleasure of attending the 4th Russian Congress of Philosophy from May 24-28, 2005, where I gave presentations in sections devoted to ‘Ethics’ and ‘Humanism as a Value System’. The Congress was held in conjunction with celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of Moscow State University, and there were over two thousand professors in attendance.

This was my fifth visit to Russia to participate in philosophical conferences. I had previously been to Moscow in 1996, 1998, and 2001, and to St Petersburg in 1999. I cannot, alas, claim that this is due to my proficiency in the Russian language (basically all I know how to say is nyet, babushka and spasiba) or my deep knowledge of Russian thought.

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