Philosopher’s guide to NYC

Photographs: David Rosenzweig

Carole Rovane and Akeel Bilgrami

Who they are: The couple teaches philosophy at Columbia University; Rovane is the department chair and Bilgrami heads up the Heyman Center for the Humanities. Meet the latter on April 7 when he discusses “Mumbai, Terror and Islamism” at the NYPL’s Humanities and Social Sciences Library (Fifth Ave at 42nd St, 212-930-0830; 7pm, $10–$15, students free).

Where they wear their thinking caps: For years, Rovane and Bilgrami have met with philosopher friends for brunch at The City Bakery (3 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-366-1414), where the stimulating conversation is matched only by the exceptional coffee. After brunch, Bilgrami wanders over to Academy Records (12 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-242-3000), where he digs around for old faves like Joy Division and the Cure. When it comes to tracking down texts, the couple likes Book Culture (536 W 112th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway, 212-865-1588), the scholarly playground formerly known as Labyrinth. “Anyone who likes serious books will find it worth the trip,” says Rovane.

Avital Ronell

Who she is: A professor of comparative literature and philosophy at NYU; she was also featured in Examined Life, a documentary about philosophers. Check out The ÜberReader, a cross-section of her later work, which investigates such topics as technology and drugs.

Where she wears her thinking cap: Ronell can often be found sparring with other intellectuals at La Lanterna di Vittorio (129 MacDougal St between 3rd and 4th Sts, 212-529-5945). In years past, she also shared many a moment there with the late Jacques Derrida, a close friend and NYU colleague. “It feels European,” says Ronell of the space. “They always have opera blasting—it calms the nerves.” To strike a balance between the body and mind, Ronell does yoga at East West Living (78 Fifth Ave between 13th and 14th Sts; 212-243-5995, eastwestnyc.com). “In terms of my needs or issues, I don’t like power yoga, aerobic yoga or yoga that buffs you up like Madonna,” she says. “I need it for an inward turn and rigorous mindfulness.”

Simon Critchley

Who he is: Professor of philosophy at the New School for Social Research. Drop by one of his lectures, Tuesdays at 8pm, through May 12 (6 E 16th St at Fifth Ave, tenth floor) or read his latest work, The Book of Dead Philosophers, which chronicles the deaths of great thinkers (Rousseau, a collision with a Great Dane; Barthes, hit by a laundry truck).

Where he wears his thinking cap: After his Tuesday night lectures, Critchley and his grad students often head to Spain (113 W 13th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, 212-929-9580) and stoke Dasein discussions with tapas and cheap beer. The restaurant, with its wood paneling and kitschy repros of Iberian art, is a throwback to the Village’s more bohemian days—and perfect for free-flowing dialogues. Still, the prof says some of his most enlightening conversations are with nonphilosophers; at Kili (81 Hoyt St between Atlantic Ave and State St, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; 718-855-5574), the dimly lit faux ski lounge near his apartment, he can fuel his curiosity amid artists, novelists and fashionistas. “You walk in one day and there’s West African music,” he says, “and you walk in another and there’s pale hipsters talking about existentialism.” He also likes family-run operations like BookCourt (163 Court St between Dean and Pacific Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; 718-875-3677), where general manager Zack Zook often recommends offbeat titles that the professor might not have found on his own.

Think deeper
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New York Philosophy meet-ups
From dildos to Bilbo, the topics of discussion at these regular get-togethers could be sex one month and Lord of the Rings the next. On the agenda for April 10 at 7pm at 49 Grove: “The Greatest Turning Points in History.” FREE 49 Grove St between Seventh Ave South and Bleecker St (212-727-1100). R.S.V.P. at nyphilosophy.com.

Heyman Center for the Humanities
As head of this institution, Bilgrami oversees a lecture and performance series that asks folks to think about the big questions. Hear philosopher Charles Taylor deliberate on “The Politics of Recognition” at 6:15pm on April 6 at Columbia’s International Affairs Building. FREE 420 W 118th St between Amsterdam Ave and Morningside Dr (212-854-0002, heymancenter.org)

The lecture circuit
Philosophy colloquiums can be esoteric, but it’s an easy way to mingle with philosophers over wine and cheese. On Wednesday 1, James Higginbotham elaborates on “Thoughts About Oneself and Others” at the CUNY Graduate Center. FREE 365 Fifth Ave at 34th St (212-817-8615, gc.cuny.edu). 4:15pm.

Rock the Philosopher’s Stone
NYU grad student Mihailis Diamantis studies philosophy of the mind, but his ska-punk band, Hey Stranger, will put the books away and start skankin’ at its Monday 30 gig. Trash Bar, 256 Grand St between Driggs Ave and Roebling St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-1000, thetrashbar.com). 8pm, $6.

Think before your drink
“I drink, therefore I am” is how Descartes might have put it, had he sampled a 25-ounce bottle of Ommegang Three Philosophers ($13), which blends dark ale and cherry lambic. Order one at Dive Bar (732 Amsterdam Ave between 95th and 96th Sts; 212-749-4358, divebarnyc.com).

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