Marco Lauri is a Tenure Track Researcher in Arabic Language and Literature at eCampus Online University, Italy, and a lecturer at the University of Macerata. His research explores the intersection of political philosophy, linguistics, and literature in Islamic intellectual history, with a particular focus on literary and philosophical utopianism within Islamicate Arabophone societies.

In his talk, Lauri will examine the role of storytelling in Arabic philosophy, particularly in the works of Ibn Sina and Ibn Tufayl. Despite cultural skepticism towards invented narratives and imitative poetry, both philosophers employed storytelling as a means to convey truth, seeing poetics as an extension of logic with a claim to truth. Ibn Tufayl’s Risālat Ḥayy Ibn Yaqẓān exemplifies this approach, demonstrating how the highest truths transcend verbal communication. The discussion will address the apparent contradiction of using fiction to express rational, universal truths in philosophical thought.

The Research Colloquium led by Prof. Dr. Beatrice Gruendler regularly features international guest speakers in the field or Arabic Studies and related disciplines. Colloquium sessions are being held in a hybrid fashion, combining personal encounter with the advantages of remote access. The shared language is English.

Students of Arabic Studies or related disciplines, visiting scholars, and colleagues are cordially invited to participate, also for single sessions.