The Dialectical Quartet
BRUSSELS / PULA – Joining Dr. Atkinson on stage is our Dialectical Quartet – four brilliant student respondents who will bring fresh, sharp perspectives to our debate on the digital soul during the Pluartis Symposium 2026 in Pula.
Three of them come from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland, while the fourth is from the University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Roel Van Iseghem
Roel Van Iseghem is a philosophy student at the University of Antwerp with a profound interest in fundamental questions surrounding knowledge, ethics, society, and academic inquiry. Throughout his studies, he has developed a deep appreciation for careful reasoning, intellectual honesty, and constructive dialogue. Roel possesses a kaleidoscopic curiosity that spans history and the sciences, and he actively researches the societal impacts of artificial intelligence in his free time. As a second-year student representative, he also contributes to university discussions regarding the integration and role of AI in modern education.
Alexandros Manolakakis
A dedicated pupil of the Liberal Arts, Alexandros Manolakakis is deeply committed to the examined life and driven by a love of collaborative thinking. His work sits at the fascinating intersection of Ancient Greek thought, the philosophy of education, and moral psychology. He is the founder of the Agora Society, a philosophical-pedagogical initiative devoted to close reading, shared inquiry, and philosophical conversation. Alexandros holds a BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts from the University of Winchester, an MA (Research) in Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam, and currently serves as a Departmental Assistant and PhD researcher at Mary Immaculate College.
Daniel Ulises Rocha Argudín
Dan Rocha is a PhD candidate in Philosophy at the University of Limerick, Ireland. His doctoral research addresses the problem of evil in early Stoicism, while his broader interests lie in Ancient Ethics and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, Dan explores how Stoic accounts of determinism, corporealism, and moral responsibility can illuminate contemporary debates on machine autonomy. He holds an MA in Creative Writing, master’s degrees in Ancient Philosophy and Judaic Studies, and a BA with Honors from Universidad Panamericana. He has taught philosophy and AI ethics across Ireland and Mexico, and has presented his research at prestigious institutions worldwide, including University College London and the University of Porto.
Vitor Rodrigues de Almeida
Vitor Almeida is a PhD candidate in Philosophy at Mary Immaculate College, Ireland, researching under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Vázquez. His doctoral work explores the relationship between the Platonic concepts of eros and philia, focusing on their role in the love of wisdom (philosophia). Originally from a small town in southern Brazil, Vitor holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and philosophy, as well as a master’s degree in philosophy. Driven by the belief that philosophy is a fundamentally public, collaborative dialogue that should extend far beyond the boundaries of academia, he is deeply committed to public philosophy. Alongside his research, he teaches English and Portuguese in Dublin.
With their diverse backgrounds spanning ancient Stoicism, Platonic philosophy, the Liberal Arts, and contemporary AI ethics, this dynamic quartet is perfectly primed to spark an unforgettable debate. Together with Dr. Mitchell Atkinson III, they will bring the perfect blend of historical depth and forward-looking critique to our shores. We look forward to the brilliant insights and vibrant energy they will bring to the Pluartis stage this August!