Knowledge as societal value
This section brings together my interviews and media contributions addressed to wider, non‑specialist audiences. Through these conversations, I engage with public debates on research culture, the relevance of ancient and medieval philosophical traditions, and the role of cross‑cultural dialogue in contemporary intellectual life. Rather than presenting academic results, these interventions aim to open philosophical perspectives to broader discussion beyond strictly disciplinary contexts.
Public Interviews
《拿什么来激励科研人才》 (“What Motivates Research Talent”)
Chinese Social Sciences Today (中国社会科学报), 13 October 2025.
In this interview, I discuss current debates on performance-driven academic evaluation systems and their impact on research. I argue that rigid, metric-based criteria risk discouraging long-term and foundational inquiry, pushing scholars towards short-term productivity instead of sustained intellectual work. I emphasise the need for evaluation frameworks that respect disciplinary diversity and foster environments where ambitious, long-range research can genuinely flourish.
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《古典文明研究在创新中走向未来》 (“Classical Civilisation Studies and Innovation”)
Chinese Social Sciences Today (中国社会科学报), 2 July 2025.
In this interview, I discuss how research on classical civilisations can contribute to a more inclusive understanding of world history beyond Eurocentric narratives. I emphasise the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration, and reflect on the role of new research institutions in fostering broader, global perspectives on human civilisation.
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《点燃古典学研究的璀璨思想火花》 (“Igniting Thought in Classical Studies”)
Chinese Social Sciences Today (中国社会科学报), 5 February 2025.
In this interview, I explain why the study of ancient and medieval traditions remains intellectually relevant today. I argue that engaging with these historical forms of thought helps us better understand the foundations of contemporary debates and supports meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. I also stress the importance of communicating ancient and medieval philosophy beyond academic circles, particularly to younger generations, as part of a broader responsibility to connect scholarly research with public understanding.
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《文明交流互鉴的新平台》 (“A New Platform for Civilisational Dialogue”)
Chinese Social Sciences Today (中国社会科学报), 29 November 2024.
In this interview, I reflect on the establishment of the China Classical Civilisation Research Institute in Athens as a platform for intercultural exchange bringing ancient and medieval traditions into dialogue across civilisations. I emphasise its potential to foster international collaboration and to broaden how classical studies are understood in a global context.
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《传承与时代并进 古典与现代共生》 (“Tradition and Modernity in Dialogue”)
Chinese Social Sciences Today (中国社会科学报), 7 November 2024.
In this interview, I reflect on the relevance of ancient and medieval traditions for contemporary intellectual life. I argue that classical thought should not be confined to the past but understood as evolving in dialogue with modern perspectives. I also emphasise the importance of integrating Eastern and Western traditions in a global humanities framework, fostering mutual understanding across cultures.
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Outreach Articles
A Cinematic Journey Through History and Duty: Hu Mei’s Confucius (2010)
IPM Monthly 3/1 (2024).
In this film reflection I explore how Confucius (directed by Hu Mei) brings the life and teaching of the ancient philosopher to the screen, showing how historical cinema can open philosophical questions to broader audiences while balancing narrative and historical interpretation.
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Philosophy and Snickerdoodles: An Interview with Richard Taylor on Festive Recipes and an Old Tradition
IPM Monthly 2/1 (January 2023).
In this interview, I explore how a long-standing recipe tradition started by Richard Taylor at Marquette University uses shared festive cooking to build rapport between students and teachers, showing how simple cultural practices can open up reflections on community, care, and the teaching of philosophy.
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Хранители – The Soviet Version of The Lord of the Rings You Need to Watch
IPM Monthly 1/7 (December 2022).
In this piece, I reflect on Khraniteli – the Soviet adaptation of The Lord of the Rings – and consider how unlikely cinematic retellings can reveal different cultural values and interpretive possibilities, showing how classic narratives are reimagined across contexts.
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The Ros Beiaard of Dendermonde
IPM Monthly 1/2 (June 2022).
In this piece I reflect on the Ros Beiaard parade in Dendermonde – a decennial event rooted in medieval legend – and include an interview with the mayor of Dendermonde on the civic role of communal rituals in linking history, identity, and contemporary public life.
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叙事的打破者 [= The Breaker of Narratives]
Critique of Andrea Fagioli’s sculptures for 苏州市雕塑协会, Jan 2022. English version IPM Monthly 1/1 (May 2022).
In this piece, I reflect on Andrea Fagioli’s artworks through the lens of time: its relentless reshaping of forms, its ability to undo our comforting stories, and its paradoxical role in exposing what our self-deception tries to keep hidden
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L’ombra di Brexit sull’accademia inglese
In circolo. Rivista di filosofia e culture 2 (2016).
In this essay I reflect on the impact of the Brexit referendum on British academia, describing how political shifts began to affect scholarly life, international collaboration, and the everyday experience of academic researchers.
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©️Nicola Polloni | Latest update: December 2025
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