Wed Nov 20 02:55:45 UTC 2024: ## US Professor’s Book Leads to Saudi Arabian Philosophical Exchange
**READING, PA** – A book co-edited by Alvernia University Associate Professor of Philosophy Josh Hayes, “Aristotle and the Arabic Tradition,” has unexpectedly led to a significant academic exchange in Saudi Arabia. Nearly a decade after its publication, the book caught the attention of Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, prompting an invitation from the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.
Initially invited to give a lecture, Professor Hayes proposed a more extensive workshop instead. The resulting event brought together over a dozen international scholars to explore the crucial role of Arabic scholars in preserving and transmitting ancient Greek philosophy during the Middle Ages. Professor Hayes highlighted the historical significance of Arabic translations in making Greek texts accessible to later Western thinkers like Thomas Aquinas.
The trip provided Professor Hayes with a unique insight into Saudi Arabian culture, describing it as a “paradox” – a nation embracing Western ideas while maintaining its strong Islamic identity. He noted the vibrant coffeehouse culture, contrasting with the early morning calls to prayer.
Professor Hayes’s journey into philosophy began with a transformative experience in El Salvador, fueling a lifelong interest in tracing ideas to their origins. He now brings this passion to his Alvernia students, fostering philosophical inquiry and encouraging them to connect ancient thought with contemporary life. The Saudi Arabian experience, he says, underscores the enduring relevance of philosophical questions and the global interconnectedness of intellectual history.
First Piper 