Since 1954, the year of her birth in Algiers, Monique Canto-Sperber has established a career as a philosopher, academic administrator, and translator. Educated at elite institutions including the Lycée Condorcet and the École Normale Supérieure, she has influenced French intellectual life by bridging classical thought with contemporary political theory and international moral discourse.
Academic Leadership
Canto-Sperber served as the director of the École normale supérieure between 2005 and 2012. During this tenure, she implemented scientific advisory committees for humanities departments and introduced an international council for strategic orientation. She advocated for the institution to align with international research standards and was a central figure in the formation of Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), serving as its president from 2012 to 2014.
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Her academic career spans ancient philosophy, ethics, and political theory. She has authored works such as 'Éthiques grecques' and 'Les paradoxes de la connaissance', while providing annotated translations of Plato’s dialogues including 'Gorgias', 'Ion', 'Euthydème', and 'Ménon'. In 'Greek Ethics', she challenges the view that Greek moral philosophy was exclusively eudemonistic, arguing that contemporary interpretations often overlook the complexity of these ancient traditions.
Political Philosophy and Ethics
In the realm of political philosophy, she has explored the legitimacy of liberalism within progressive frameworks, notably in 'Les Règles de la liberté' and 'Faut-il sauver le libéralisme?'. Her research often incorporates elements of Anglo-American philosophy into French discourse. Beyond the academy, she served on the National Ethics Advisory Committee from 2001 to 2004 and presided over the organization until 2007, alongside her work on the radio program 'Questions d'éthique'.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Algiers
- Citizenship: France
- Education: École normale supérieure de jeunes filles
- Director, École normale supérieure: 2005-2012
- President, PSL University: 2012-2014
- Languages: French, Ancient Greek
- Marcelle Blum Award: 1991
- Commander of the National Order of Merit: 2018
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of her translation work?
She has translated several of Plato's works into French, specifically focusing on the dialogues Gorgias, Ion, Euthydème, and Ménon.
Did she serve in governmental advisory roles?
Yes, she was a member of the National Ethics Advisory Committee between 2001 and 2004, serving as its president from 2004 until 2007.
Achievements
- Officer of the National Order of Merit — 2005
- Commander of the National Order of Merit — 2018
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2000
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2009
- Held posts at University of Rouen-Normandy, University of Picardie Jules Verne and École polytechnique
- Fields: ancient philosophy, ethics and political philosophy
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