Born in Rome in 1956, Donatella Di Cesare is a professor of theoretical philosophy at the Sapienza University of Rome. Her academic work spans linguistics and political theory, gaining international circulation through translations of her books into numerous languages, including German, Chinese, and English, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary European philosophical discourse.
Academic Foundations
Di Cesare completed her early education in West Germany, studying at the University of Tübingen and the University of Heidelberg. At Heidelberg, she served as the final student of Hans-Georg Gadamer, focusing her research on phenomenology and philosophical hermeneutics. This training informs her engagement with the work of Jacques Derrida, reflecting an approach centered on deconstruction.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Philosophical Investigations
Her research addresses complex political and ethical challenges. In Heidegger and the Jews: The Black Notebooks, she examined Martin Heidegger’s political alignment with Nazism. Her investigations into globalization and violence appear in works such as Torture and Terror and Modernity, where she analyzes modern phobocracy and the global civil war. Additionally, her focus on migration and sovereignty is central to Resident Foreigners: A Philosophy of Migration.
Public Discourse and Controversy
Di Cesare contributes to various Italian media outlets, including il manifesto and L'Espresso. Her public statements have generated significant debate. In 2023, she faced a defamation indictment after criticizing Italian minister Francesco Lollobrigida regarding his comments on migration. Furthermore, a 2024 social media post following the death of Barbara Balzerani prompted public condemnation from the rector of Sapienza University of Rome, who distanced the institution from her remarks.
Professional Appointments
She has held visiting professorships at institutions including the Stiftung-University of Hildesheim, the University of Freiburg, and Pennsylvania State University. She maintains memberships in organizations such as the Internationale Wittgenstein-Gesellschaft and the Associazione Italiana Walter Benjamin. She also serves on the scientific board of the Consiglio Italiano per i Rifugiati.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 April 1956, Rome, Italy
- Citizenship: Italy
- Academic Base: Sapienza University of Rome
- Primary Fields: Theoretical philosophy, linguistics
- Religion: Judaism
- Notable Work: Resident Foreigners: A Philosophy of Migration
- Notable Work: Heidegger and the Jews: The Black Notebooks
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Di Cesare's research?
Her work addresses phenomenology, philosophical hermeneutics, political theology, and the ethical implications of globalization, migration, and modern terrorism.
Where did Di Cesare study?
She studied at the Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Tübingen, and the University of Heidelberg.
Achievements
- Notable work: Donatella Di Cesare, Stranieri residenti. Una filosofia della migrazione: Bollati Boringhieri, Torino, 2017
- Held posts at Sapienza University of Rome
- Fields: theoretical philosophy and linguistics
