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| Philosophy |
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| "... it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed" (Preamble of the Constitution of UNESCO, 1945). |
The construction of these defences, according to the Preamble of UNESCO’s Constitution, is built by establishing the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind”. If the war that had just ended was made possible by the “… denial of the democratic principles of the dignity, equality and mutual respect of men, and by the propagation, in their place, through ignorance and prejudice, of the doctrine of the inequality of men and races”, there is a categorical need to educate humanity in the concepts of justice, liberty and peace, notions indispensable to the dignity of human beings. These terms relate to notions within the field of philosophy, especially moral philosophy. It is by pursuing the elucidation of these concepts that the foundations of a spirit of moral solidarity can be built.
The importance of philosophy to the work of UNESCO is clear. Its role is not, as many believe, simply abstract and detached from everyday life. Rather, its functions are undeniably linked to establishing and maintaining peace, the core mission of the Organization. By developing the intellectual tools to analyse and understand the key concepts mentioned above, building capacities for independent thought and judgement, enhancing the critical skills to understand and question the world and its challenges, and fostering reflection on values and principles, philosophy is a ‘school of freedom’. [more...] |
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09 Dec 2003 - 10 Dec 2003
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
International Philosophy and Humanities Symposium at Bibliotheca Alexandrina |
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20 Nov 2003 - 20 Nov 2003
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
UNESCO’s second Philosophy Day will take place on Thursday 20 November 2003 at UNESCO House. |
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