This lecture will discuss how sociology and philosophy are conveyed to the public in restrictive contexts in the Arab world. Using Egypt as an example, Dr. Amro Ali will outline the approach taken to teach the social sciences and humanities to public audiences in Cairo and Alexandria. This is premised upon the idea that the public should be recognised, and elevated, as the primary ideal, and the individual’s present difficulties in experiencing or attaining pluralism and civic responsibility are tied to the city’s loss of meaning and the citizen’s alienation from one another. The development of socio-philosophical thinking in local spaces can help address this malaise.

Bio:
Amro Ali is a writer and sociologist at the American University in Cairo, co-president of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Berlin (AGYA), and visiting fellow at Freie Universität Berlin. Ali received his ouble masters from the Australian National University in Middle Eastern studies and diplomacy, and received his PhD in sociology and political philosophy from the University of Sydney. His work can be found at www.amroali.com