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.
