Institute for Philosophy

Research

The philosophers at the Institute of Philosophy develop new perspectives and insights not only on fundamental philosophical questions, but also on topical and interdisciplinary themes such as secrecy, migration, climate change, the politics of truth and intercultural relations.

The research at the Institute is organised into five research Centres: Theoretical Philosophy, Practical Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Comparative Philosophy, and History of Philosophy. The Centres and their members entertain intensive and fruitful collaborations with each other. Several of the institute’s members are affiliated with more than one of these Centers. The institute’s teaching programmes also range over these fields as well as their interrelations and all the members of the Centres take an active part in teaching.

The research Centres organise lectures and discussion forums, providing a platform where researchers meet their peers and the wider public. Such encounters further inspire the philosophers at the Institute of Philosophy, helping them keep both their minds open and their feet on the ground.

The institute works partly in the tradition of Western philosophy, represented by names such as Descartes and Spinoza, both of whom worked in and around Leiden. Leiden philosophers also look more widely, however: driven by intellectual curiosity, they conduct research into philosophical traditions of other parts of the world.

Theoretical Philosophy
The Theoretical Philosophy Centre looks at the philosophy of knowledge and all that relates to knowledge and reality. Its researchers draw their research themes from logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language, science, and mind.

Practical Philosophy
The Practical Philosophy Centre studies value and normativity and forms of social organisation. Its researchers take a critical look at political, social, and cultural developments. With regard to migration, for example, they consider in depth questions such as: What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? How do you treat new arrivals fairly?

Continental Philosophy
The Continental Philosophy Centre studies especially the work of European philosophers from the nineteenth century to the present. Its researchers focus on understanding the human experiences of “being” in the world. What does it mean to be a human surrounded by others, by nature, and by technology? What does it mean to be part of a historical trajectory?

Intercultural Philosophy
The Intercultural Philosophy Centre is unique in the Netherlands. Most European and US universities approach philosophy from a typically Western perspective, based on the classical Greek tradition. The philosophers within the Comparative Philosophy group look further, at the traditions of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

History of Philosophy
The History of Philosophy Centre currently focuses on ancient and medieval philosophy. Its researchers look at the works and ideas of Plato and Aristotle, their reception, and their later development into the modern era. The Middle East also plays a role within this group’s research, given the strong influence of Arab philosophy on medieval European thought.

Impact on Society
Leiden philosophers are highly visible. They take part in societal debates, train civil servants, members of political parties, and other professionals, and advise government bodies, on, for instance, state secrecy and Middle East politics.