Libya today, Thursday, lost a prominent academic and philosopher with the passing of Dr. Najib al-Hassadi, at the age of 72, following a battle with lung cancer diagnosed last May.
Born in Derna on August 25, 1952, Dr. al-Hassadi was considered one of Libya’s most distinguished thinkers and academics. He left a profound scientific and intellectual mark through his extensive writings, valuable translations, and diverse intellectual contributions, in addition to a long university teaching career spanning decades.
Al-Hassadi began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Libyan University in 1973. He then pursued his postgraduate studies in the United States, obtaining two Master’s degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He crowned his academic path by earning his Doctorate from the latter in 1983, with a dissertation titled “Scientific Rationality: A Critique of Thomas Kuhn’s Conception of Scientific Rationality.” He achieved professorial rank in 1996.
Dr. al-Hassadi held several prestigious academic and administrative positions, including Head of the Philosophy Department at the Faculty of Arts, Garyounis University (now Benghazi University), and Head of the Philosophy Department at the Faculty of Humanities, United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain. He also served as Associate Dean of the Heritage and Culture Unit at the same faculty and university, and Head of the Postgraduate Studies Committee. Since 2013, he presided over the National Centre for Translation in Libya.
For over four decades, Dr. al-Hassadi taught various subjects in philosophy, logic, and scientific research. He enriched the cultural and intellectual scene through his active membership and leadership in numerous bodies, including the Libyan Philosophical Society, the Arab Thought Forum, the Libyan Arabic Language Academy, and the Libyan Writers and Authors Association.
Furthermore, Dr. al-Hassadi was one of the pivotal intellectual figures who contributed to the preparation of “Libya Vision 2025” and “Libya Vision 2040.” He also participated as an adviser in important projects related to law and national reconciliation.
With the passing of Dr. Najib al-Hassadi, Libya has lost a prominent intellectual and philosophical figure, an academic luminary who leaves behind a rich legacy that will forever bear witness to his immense efforts in education, culture, and scientific research.