Definition
The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy is founded within the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) as an academic chair dedicated to bolstering the presence of Lebanese philosophy at the intellectual and educational levels in Lebanon and all over the world. Named after the Lebanese philosopher Kamal Youssef El-Hage (1917-1976), trailblazer of this bolstering, it operates according to the regulations and distinguished traditions of endowed international academic chairs.
Mission
Drawing its inspiration from the writings and visions of the philosopher El-Hage, the mission of The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy is to highlight the Lebanese philosophy, ancient and modern, as an ideal intellectual expanse illustrating Lebanon’s universal and civilizing message towards the Arabs and the world, revealing Lebanon’s creative input to the realm of philosophical wording throughout history, and anchoring the authentic vision of the Lebanese self, marked by freedom and openness, on constructive intellectual underpinnings combining faith and reason.
Aspirations
The inauguration of The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy is a landmark date in the illustrious Lebanese intellectual journey:
Firstly, because the Chair aspires to anchor a philosophy from within Lebanon that remains alive and fruitful in the upcoming future and maintains Lebanon in the string of civilized nations who innovate in the realm of the word.
Secondly, because the Chair is eager to infuse the minds of our aspiring university youth with genuine research spirit, and to animate the hearts of our promising school youth with reinvigorating creative spirit.
Thirdly, because the Chair shelters itself at the originative boundaries between philosophy, understood as an expanse for rational and free thought, and the Lebanese self, understood as the locus of fateful and open dilemmas craving after answers illuminated by truth.
Fourthly, because the Chair gives center stage to the term “Lebanese philosophy” in philosophical discourse, based on the certitude that philosophy is contingent upon a “philosophizing self” that bears, across history, distinctive universal and ontic attributes when fathoming the dilemmas of existence. If a philosophical thought in Lebanon is to be vibrant now, tomorrow, and across the ages and generations, bearing the stamp of excellence, it ought to be raised on foregoing philosophical shoulders grounded in an age-old past the radiance of which is still relevant, alive, and acting on the present much more than one might think or presume.
This is the grand dream of Kamal Youssef El-Hage and his “transgenerational” program, as he wrote, hence the naming of this distinctive academic chair after him.
Partners
The main partner of The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy is Beyt Al-Fikr – Fundatio Kamal Youssef El-Hage. Also, the so-called Society of Lebanese Philosophy constitutes its vital complement and a nurturing environment for its continuance.
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Address by Rev. Fr. Prof. Georges Hobeika
President of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)
During the Inaugural Seminar of the Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy
November 17, 2017
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Address by Prof. Hoda Nehmé
Deputy President for Cultural Affairs at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)
During the Inaugural Seminar of the Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy
November 17, 2017
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The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy 1st Advisory Council
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The Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy Founding Instrument
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Inaugural Lecture of the Kamal Youssef El Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy
Prof. Hoda Nehmé
Thursday, February 15, 2018
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Draft Proposal for the Adoption of a Compulsory Course Entitled “Introduction to Lebanese Philosophy”
Within the Framework of General Education Courses within the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)
Starting the 2018-2019 Academic Year
Prepared by the Kamal Youssef El-Hage Chair for Lebanese Philosophy
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First Academic Colloquium on Lebanese Philosophy Entitled Lebanese Philosophy: a Must for Today, a Message for Tomorrow
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Second Academic Colloquium on Lebanese Philosophy of the Series Kamal Youssef El-Hage Day (1)
Entitled For a Lebanese Philosophy Inaugurating an Intellectual Renaissance in Lebanon and the Arab World