About us

The Institute for the Study of American Philosophy (ISAP) engages in a broad spectrum of educational, social and interdisciplinary research activities, established/inscribed within the boundaries of the American philosophical tradition, its historical developments and contemporary manifestations. ISAP organizes specialized courses, conferences and informal educational events aimed at the general public, supports the translation and publication of scientific texts in the field of American philosophy, and encourages the work on original philosophical research conducted by its members and affiliates. The organization actively supports scientific exchange on a national and international level and seeks partnerships with similar institutions devoted to studying philosophy and other interdisciplinary fields.

The translation and publishing of contemporary research focused on the topic of American philosophy contributes to the broadening of the horizons of the Bulgarian academic public and introduces the readers to the latest developments on the matter. The publishing branch of ISAP allows young and established scholars to popularize their work on an international level, gain the recognition they deserve, and increase the quality, prestige and significance of Bulgarian philosophical research as well. This is also achieved through the establishment of contacts and working relationships with foreign scientific organizations and research centers which are specialized in American Philosophy.

At the same time, the social and educational activities of ISAP are aimed at a broader public in an attempt to popularize the basis and main tendencies of contemporary American Philosophy, as well as their historical development and significance. This part of our work is essential due to insufficient information on the topic and the need for qualified specialists who can present it to the general public meaningfully and engagingly. Therefore, regular and systematic philosophical courses go hand in hand with informal educational events such as public readings, concerts and exhibitions. We desire to make philosophy enjoyable and accessible to everybody without taking away from the seriousness of its topics. This sort of informal activities, especially in the context of American philosophy, which has always been characterized by its practicality, has true potential in awakening the interest of the broader public and in directing it towards positive endeavors.

Rebecca Gigli

Rebecca Gigli is deputy chairman of the Institute for the Study of American Philosophy and Semiotics. She studied foreign language and literature at Pisa University, where she got her bachelor’s degree (2016) and master’s degree (2018). In 2019, she specialized in Russian literature at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. From July 2020 to February 2024, she was a PhD student at the Department of Russian Literature of the same institution. In July 2024, Rebecca Gigli defended her PhD thesis, entitled “Pamyat’ I kul’turnaya identichnost’ v memuarnoy proze kn. I. M. Dolgorukova (Memory and Cultural Identity in the Memoirs of Prince I. M. Dolgorukov)”. From December 2024 she is Assistant Professor at the Institute for Literature of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Her scientific interests are comparative studies, Russian Literature, semiotics, autobiographical genres, and cultural memory.

Ivan Mladenov

van Mladenov is a Professor (Ph.D. and D.Sc.) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia. His primary topic of interest is the philosophy of Charles S. Peirce, on which he wrote a book - Conceptualizing Metaphors. On Charles Peirce’s Marginalia, published by Routledge in 2006, republished in 2014. The book is translated in Japanese and published by Keiso-shobo Ltd. in Tokyo in 2012. He has lectured extensively in many European countries, i.e. Austria, Finland, France, Germany, as well as in the United States and Turkey.

Stanul Grozev

Stanul Grozev is chairman of the Institute for the Study of American Philosophy and Semiotics. Assistant Professor at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences from 2023. Lecturer at Sofia University 2021-2022. PhD in Philosophy in 2018. His main scientific interests are in the fields of History of Philosophy, Contemporary Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion.
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