World Philosophy Day (17/11)

World Philosophy Day was proclaimed at the 33rd session by the UNESCO General Conference in 2005 and is held on the third Thursday of November annually in order to introduce the world community to the richness of philosophical thought at the global level.

Philosophy — is the study of the nature of reality and existence, what can be known, and right and wrong behavior. The term comes from the Greek word phílosophía, which means «love of wisdom». This is one of the most important areas of human thought as it seeks to comprehend the very meaning of life.

The idea of establishing World Philosophy Day is to find a common platform for discussing the global sociocultural transformations taking place in society, introduce people to the philosophical heritage, open up the sphere of everyday thinking to new ideas and stimulate public debate among thinkers and civil society about the challenges facing society today.

Many thinkers have argued that the essence of philosophy lies in surprise. Indeed, philosophy is born from the natural desire of human beings to be interested in themselves and the world in which they live. As a reflection and love of wisdom, philosophy teaches us to think about thought, explore fundamental truths, reconcile premises and draw our own conclusions.

Over the centuries, in various cultures, philosophy has produced concepts, ideas and works of informed analysis. UNESCO notes that philosophy is a discipline that encourages critical and independent thinking and can work towards a better understanding of peace and the promotion of tolerance and peace.

Today, Philosophy Day is celebrated in more than 70 UNESCO member countries around the world. The purpose of this holiday — is to draw attention to the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought.

On this Day, which every year is dedicated to a specific topic, various events are held and organized (at the local, national and international levels): philosophical dialogues and cafes, discussions and round tables, conferences and seminars, exhibitions and presentations, and other cultural events in the context of the general theme of the day, with the participation of philosophers and scientists from all branches of natural and social sciences, teachers, students, schoolchildren, representatives of culture, education, the media and the general public.



Postcard «World Philosophy Day»

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