"Being together in the face of the pandemic" For centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas and analyses, and, through this, has set down the basis for critical, independent and creative thought. Third, World Philosophy Day is meant to especially encourage the teaching of philosophy as a discipline academically as well as in more informal settings. Year It is meant to promote philosophical debates, diversity, tolerance of differing opinions, and respect for human rights and dignity. ), World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Through critical questioning, philosophy gives meaning to life and action in the international context. It comes from the Greek word phílosophía, meaning 'the love of wisdom.' 19 Nov 2020, 4:00-6:00 PM (GMT +1), Master Class against Racism and Discriminations: Philosophical Perspectives The link between philosophy and UNESCO stems from the inquiry on the possibility of and necessary conditions for the establishment of long-term peace and security in the world. In this context, philosophy helps us to take the necessary distance to better move forward, by stimulating critical reflection on problems that are already present, but which the pandemic has pushed to the forefront. World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) with the following objectives: The 2020 edition invites the world to reflect on the meaning of the current pandemic, underlining the need, more than ever before, to resort to philosophical reflection in order to face the multiple crises we are going through. UNESCO established World Philosophy Day for several reasons. Since 2002, every third Thursday of November has been designated as a UNESCO observance called World Philosophy Day. "Being together in the face of the pandemic", Round table "The languages of the pandemic", Master Class against Racism and Discriminations: Philosophical Perspectives, Roundtable "Health as a philosophical issue", 19th International Encounters on New Philosophical Practices: “The time to think; the time of thought”, There can be no UNESCO without philosophy, The UNESCO Courier: Philosophy versus tribalism, International Network of Women Philosophers sponsored by UNESCO, Philosophy manual: a South-South perspective, UNESCO Study “Philosophy: A School of Freedom” [14.0 MB], Philosophy in Tomorrow’s World – UNESCO’s Role, Intersectoral strategy on philosophy 2006, Conclusions of the First Assembly of the International Network of Women Philosophers, Proclamation of World Philosophy Day - resolution 33C/45 (adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 33rd session), Preparation of a Strategy on Philosophy (169 EX/39 Rev. It is one of the most important fields of human thought as it aspires to get at the very meaning of life. In establishing World Philosophy Day UNESCO strives to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respects human dignity and diversity. World Philosophy Day 2021, 2022 and 2023 Since 2002, every third Thursday of November has been designated as a UNESCO observance called World Philosophy Day. First, to simply underscore the importance of philosophy and philosophies historically and in today’s ever-changing world. In 2005 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed that World Philosophy Day would be celebrated every third Thursday of November. to renew the national, subregional, regional and international commitment to philosophy; to foster philosophical analysis, research and studies on major contemporary issues, so as to respond more effectively to the challenges that are confronting humanity today; to raise public awareness of the importance of philosophy and its critical use in the choices arising for many societies from the effects of globalization or entry into modernity; to appraise the state of philosophy teaching throughout the world, with special emphasis on unequal access; to underline the importance of the universalization of philosophy teaching for future generations. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. 19-20 Nov 2020, 9 AM-6:30 PM (GMT +1), UNESCO Forum : Imagining the world to come. The Day encourages academic exchange and highlights the contribution of philosophical knowledge in addressing global issues. 19 Nov 2020, 1:15-3:45 PM (GMT +1), Roundtable "Health as a philosophical issue" On World Philosophy Day, you can expect there to be media campaigns highlighting the role of philosophy in modern life and emphasising ways philosophy can contribute to practical problems like world peace, world hunger, and environmental protection. Philosophy – which is part of the humanities - questions every dimension of human life. Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. Philosophy helps consolidate these authentic foundations of peaceful coexistence. Many thinkers state that “astonishment” is the root of philosophy. Second, to give occasion to awareness campaigns that promote philosophy as a form of critical thought and problem-solving that can help answer some of life’s toughest questions. For UNESCO, philosophy provides the conceptual bases of principles and values on which world peace depends: democracy, human rights, justice, and equality. 19 Nov 2020, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (GMT +1), Round table "The languages of the pandemic" World Philosophy Day celebrates the importance of philosophical reflection, and encourages people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other. Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality and existence, of what is possible to know, and of right and wrong behavior. UNESCO has always been closely linked to philosophy, which is defined as a “School of Freedom” in one of its major publications. This field, which sees itself as a form of “wisdom”, teaches us to reflect on reflection itself, to continually question well-established truths, to verify hypotheses and to find conclusions. World Philosophy Day celebrates the importance of philosophical reflection, and encourages people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage … We also mark other UN observances. Indeed, philosophy stems from humans’ natural tendency to be astonished by themselves and the world in which they live. The health crisis brings into question multiple aspects of our societies. The mural painting "Titans" by Lumen Martin Winter, which hangs in the General Assembly building at UN Headquarters. 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