“Is this a genuine opening for philosophy and critical thinking? Or is it simply for… PR? I’m not sure. Only time will tell.  All I can say is I think that if there is a possibility of encouraging philosophy and critical thinking in Saudi Arabia, that’s a possibility worth exploring.”  

–Michael Sandel, a Harvard University professor described by the Times Literary Supplement as the “most important and influential living philosopher” speaking at first Riyadh Philosophy Conference. [Reuters]