The International Philosophical Dialogue “East–West” was established in 2015 following an initiative by British philosopher Stephen Priest. Its inaugural edition, dedicated to “Science and Religion,” took place in Skopje, Sveti Nikole, and Ohrid. Since its establishment, the Dialogue has been organized through cooperation between the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), the International Slavic University “G. R. Derzhavin,” and the Philosophical Society of Macedonia, with the Faculty of Philosophy at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje joining as an organizing partner.
Over the years, the Dialogue has explored a wide range of philosophical and interdisciplinary topics, including ethics, politics, education, bioethics, European identity, collective memory, ancient philosophy, and global challenges. Each edition brings together distinguished philosophers, academics, and researchers to examine contemporary issues from different philosophical and cultural perspectives.
The Dialogue has attracted more than 100 participants from over 20 countries, including representatives of universities and academic institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia. Its international character has encouraged academic cooperation, intellectual exchange, and the development of connections between scholars representing diverse philosophical traditions.
By 2023, the Dialogue had successfully completed eight editions, with the eighth gathering focusing on “Philosophy and Global Issues.” Through its longstanding commitment to intercultural understanding and critical reflection, the International Philosophical Dialogue “East–West” has contributed to strengthening philosophical discourse and promoting the role of philosophy in addressing the challenges of contemporary society.
