Sophia Vasalou
Sophia Vasalou’s research focuses on the development of virtue ethics in the Islamic intellectual tradition, with a specialization in Imam al-Ghazālī's work.
More Full Bio
Sophia Vasalou’s research focuses on the development of virtue ethics in the Islamic intellectual tradition, with a specialization in Imam al-Ghazālī's work.
View Full Bio
Sophia Vasalou’s research focuses on the development of virtue ethics in the Islamic intellectual tradition, with a specialization in Imam al-Ghazālī's work.
More Full Bio“When I was a student, I would go to physical libraries, pick up physical books… and I would always have the book in one hand and a notebook in the other. And for me, these notebooks were opportunities to essentially work out my thoughts in a way that bridged the experience of reading and the experience of writing. So it was a sort of bridging, a kind of intermediate space… where I developed my own thinking. And that is the advice that I would give my PhD students these days.”
—Sophia Vasalou
Does reading help you think if you write your thoughts about what you’re reading? What’s the difference between writing books about books, and writing books drawn from one’s own experiences? Such questions relate to matters that are both practical and philosophical. In this episode of our podcast, Safir Ahmed, editor of Renovatio, interviews philosopher Sophia Vasalou who writes engagingly on philosophical theology, virtue ethics, Al-Ghazali, Schopenhauer, wonder, and much more. The conversation springs from Vasalou’s essay, “Can We Think Deeply About Important Ideas Without Writing About Them?” which argues that writing that cultivates the ideals of intellectual and moral growth must eschew the illusions of originality and detachment. Vasalou shares insights from her scholarly journey, discussing the distinction between writing about philosophical concepts and writing from personal experience, particularly in her works on moral beauty and the experience of wonder.
Introduction 00:00
The Essence of Writing and Reading 02:22
Discussion on the necessity of writing to think deeply, with Sophia explaining the difference between writing books about books versus books about experiences.
Academic Constraints and Personal Insights 04:47
Sophia reflects on the restrictive nature of academic writing and how it impacts the engagement with texts and ideas.
Exploring Philosophical and Theological Texts 07:03
A deep dive into how philosophical and theological works influence personal and intellectual growth, using examples like Schopenhauer and Al-Ghazali.
Personal Experience and Intellectual Curiosity 09:28
Sophia discusses her personal journey with the concept of ‘wonder’ and how it contrasts with more traditional academic pursuits.
The Role of Education and Intellectual Development 11:46
Exploring the impact of educational settings on personal development and the transformative power of reading and writing.
Scholarly Detachment and Academic Writing 14:13
Discussion on the concept of scholarly detachment, its benefits, and limitations within academic and personal writing.
Moral and Intellectual Growth Outside Academia 16:37
Sophia talks about the potential for moral and intellectual growth outside traditional academic frameworks and the role of personal writing.
Engagement with Books and Ideas 19:00
Delving into the different motivations for reading, from personal enjoyment to deep intellectual engagement.
Closing Thoughts 31:00
Final thoughts on the future of reading and writing for intellectual and personal development, with a call to readers to engage with philosophical and moral questions.