Baudouin Decharneux

Baudouin Decharneux is a distinguished philosopher and historian of religions serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the FNRS (National Research Foundation for Scientific Research) and Professor at the Free University of Brussels. He holds additional prestigious appointments as Member of the Royal Academy of Belgium, Associate Member of the Academy of Athens, and Honorary Professor at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, with extensive visiting professorships across global institutions.

His research pioneers interdisciplinary investigations at the intersection of Ancient Greek Philosophy and Religious Studies, focusing on Socrates' revolutionary relationship with Athenian religion. Decharneux's seminal work challenges conventional historical narratives by examining how Socrates' dialectical methods and ironic engagements with divine inspiration constituted an innovative religious framework—potentially making him "the inventor of religion." His methodology critically synthesizes contradictory classical testimonies from Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Plato to reinterpret the impiety charge that led to Socrates' 399 BCE condemnation.

His scholarly impact is reflected in these major honors:

• FNRS Senior Research Fellowship (Belgium's premier research distinction)
• Election to the Royal Academy of Belgium
• Associate Membership in the Academy of Athens

While specific student mentorship details remain unreported, his academic positions indicate active PhD supervision and research leadership. His institutional affiliations with multiple national academies demonstrate significant grant acquisition capabilities and collaborative research networks spanning European and international institutions.