World Philosophy Day

The Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon, in cooperation with the Department of Philosophy of the University of the Philippines Baguio, together with students majoring in philosophy, the New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS) of Saint Louis University, had a week long celebration of the 7th World Philosophy Day (Nov.20,2008) from November 17-22, 2008.

This year's theme is "Power and Rights: Reaffirming Human Digninty Through Just Social Institutions." This is in commemoration of the 60th years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dr. Julius Mendoza, Head of the Department of Philosophy of the Universtiy of the Philippines Baguio delivered a lecture on "The Correlate of Claim-Rights" in the afternoon of November 20. All members of PANL from different schools and regions in northern luzon were also encouraged to enjoin an activity during those day/s bearing our association's name.

6th Regional Convention (2008)

The Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon (PANL) conducted its 6th Regional Convention last October17-18, 2008 at the City of Baguio, hosted by the Maryhurst Seminary. This year’s theme for the convention was “Philosophy and Human Formation: Keeping the Intellectual and Religious Tradition Open in the Age of Globalization."

The first plenary lecturer was Dr. Julius D. Mendoza (University of the Philippines Baguio, Philosophy Chair), shared something about "Globalization, Uncertainty, and Tradition." Following the plenary lecture were the simultaneous concurrent lectures delivered by Professor Jeffrey M. Centeno (Saint Louis University Faculty) and Mr. Fides Bitanga on "Philosophy as Living Wisely: Going Back to the Basics," and on "Forming the Human Spirit through the Preferential Option of the Saying and the Said in the Age of Globalization," respectively.

In order for the participants to unwind from the activities of the first day, the association had a fellowship and cocktail party wherein the delegates were given the chance to listen and watch perform the BINHI band in persons. The second day of the conference commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Bong _____. PANL offered its thanksgiving to the ultimate source of being through the holy sacrifice of the mass. The Convention culminated with the second plenary lecture of Fr. Andres M. Cosalan on "Paul and the Intellectual Currents of His Time."

The election of new sets of officers for 2008-2010 was also conducted in the afternoon of the second day of convention. Mr. Danilo S. Alterado remains to be the president, Ms.Anabelle L. Abordo as the secretary, Ms.Melany DR. Natividad as the treasurer, Mr.Jeffrey M. Centeno as the Press Relation Officer, and Dr.Fernando Martin B. Serrano as the Chairman of the Board (all coming from Saint Louis University, Baguio). The two new exacutive officers are Mr.Alan Anthony Baccay of the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao as the Vice-president for Northeast, and Mr.Reynan C. Afan of Philippine Military Academy as the Vice-president for Northwest. The following three new members for Board of Directors were also elected: Mr. Sergio Imperio of Saint Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao; Mr. Hipolito L. Jacla Jr. of Saint Louis College, San Fernando La Union; and Mr. Richard G. Aggalao of Saint Louis College of Bulanao, Tabuk City.

For more pictures, click the link:
http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm401/panlphilopanl/6th%20Regional%20convention/

Process Philosophy and the Metaphysics of Becoming

The lecture of Dr. Andre Cloots on Process Philosophy and the Metaphysics of Becoming in Saint Louis University was sponsored by the Institute of Philosophy and Religion, the SLU Libraries, and the College of Human Sciences and in close coordination with the Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon. The lecture was held at the fourth floor of the Charles Vath Building where it has also given an opportunity for the school to showcase currently acquired philosophy books.

Before going to the lecture of Dr. Cloots, allow me first to present a brief overview of what Process philosophy and Metaphysics are. Process philosophy is an established and time honored philosophical tradition that highlights becoming and changing over static being. Process philosophy has been recognized to be existent in many historical and cultural periods; however, the term “process philosophy” is primarily associated with the work of American philosophers Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) and Charles Hartshorne (1897-2000). Process philosophy is differentiated from other philosophical traditions in its attempt to bring together the varied intuitions found in human experience (such as religious, scientific, and aesthetic) into a consistent and comprehensible all-inclusive scheme. Metaphysics, on the other hand, is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of reality transcending those of any particular science, traditionally including cosmology and ontology. Any attempt to investigate what reality is necessitates the need not to be confined on the physical. One must go beyond the physical. Thus, as what one metaphysician has said, “the root and ground of all metaphysical inquiry is the unrestricted drive to know all that there is to know about all that there is.”

Read more about this article at http://panllinks.blogspot.com/2008/03/process-philosophy-and-metaphysics-of.html

For More Pictures, Click the link: http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm401/panlphilopanl/cloots%20lecture/?action=view&current=bbcd4b22.pbw

UNESCO Lauds PANL and SLU's Philosophy Department, IPR, for Celebrating World Philosophy Day

“On behalf of the Human Security, Democracy and Philosophy Section, thank you very much; we congratulate you on this initiative to promote philosophical reflection in your country and encourage you to continue to do so…” these are the inspiring words of Kristina Balalovska, Head of the Human Security, Democracy and Philosophy Section of UNESCO Paris Headquarters, through an email received by the Philosophy Department. In a very recent communication, UNESCO reiterates their commendation and they would be glad to receive more details of the activities we plan to organize this year.

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrate World Philosophy Day every third Thursday of November each year. Maybe you ask the query, Why Philosophy at UNESCO? UNESCO's response is simple. They responded with a question, it says, "How could UNESCO, as the intellectual and ethical arm of the United Nations, function without promoting philosophical reflection as the basis for democracy, human rights and a just society? In other words, how else can one foster an authentic foundation for peaceful co-existence without doing philosophy?" UNESCO gave their message loud and clear. They extend the invitation to all member states, Universities, Research Centers, NGOs and other groups to participate in this annual auspicious celebration of philosophy in order to promote philosophical reflection in all human agencies in view of a better and transformed world. As every year since 2002, the tradition of World Philosophy Day continues!

The main objectives of World Philosophy Day are: 1) to renew the national, sub-regional, regional and international commitment to philosophy; 2) 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; 3) 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; 4) to appraise the state of philosophy teaching throughout the world, with special emphasis on unequal access; and, 5) to underline the importance of the universalization of philosophy teaching for future generations.

The United Nation's humanistic goal for the new generation via the renewed appreciation and immersion in the life of philosophy can take ground in the spiritual aegis of the university. Philosophy for the university is both its gift and task. It is within the lifeworld of the university that we can do and live philosophy. Given its pivotal stage in the education and formation of the young, the university plays a crucial role in realizing the potentials of a renewed world of enlightened citizens.

Cognizant and in response to these task and challenge, the Philosophy Department, Institute of Philosophy and Religion together with the Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon (PANL) vow to uphold and promote PHILOSOPHY in the academe and in the public sphere; we vow tO organize a World Philosophy Day activity every November of each year. This is a way in which we can Witness to the vocation of Philosophy and thus contributes to the actualization of a Transformed educational system, society and World.

Since 2005, the Philosophica Association of Northern Luzon(PANL) together with the Philosophy Department celebrates World Philosophy Day here in SLU. In November 2005, the theme of the celebration was, “The Idea of University in a Globalized Society: A Philosophical Task”. Aside from the exhibit at the Diego Silang Lobby, there were five lectures which were all given by Philosophy Faculty members: Ethics in Politics and the Tasks of Universities by Prof. Danilo Alterado; Tatlong Etikal na Mukha ng Pilipino sa Meno by Prof. Edwin Mirano; Humans and Non-Human Animals by Dr. Wifried Vanhoutte; Women and Emotions: Emotions as Value Judgment by Prof. Melany Natividad; A Paradigmatic Critique of the Socio-Political of the Philippines: A Bernard Lonergan Perspective by Prof. Patricio Cabauatan.

Last year’s celebration focused on an Inter-Disciplinary Conference with the theme: Philosophy and/of Law: Interpretation and Application. The main speaker was Rev. Fr. Ranhilo C. Aquino, PhD, JD. This conference showed the affinity of philosophy and law. It was also the occasion to introduce and showcase the new course offering of Bachelor of Philosophy and Legal Studies (PhB&LSt).

The theme of this year’s celebration is The Right to Philosophy in the University – A Pedagogy of Human Flourishing. The week long celebration (November 19-24) is highlighted by Exhibit and Philosophy Clinic at the Diego Silang Lobby; and two Philosophy Lectures. The activities are spearheaded by the New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS) with the participation of the Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon.