The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Philosophy Day is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Thursday of November to highlight the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for each individual.
World Philosophy Day 2024 falls on 21st November 2024.
- World Philosophy Day 2023 was observed on 16th November 2023 and World Philosophy Day 2025 will be observed on 20th November 2025.
Background:
i.Every year, World Philosophy Day has been celebrated at the UNESCO’s headquarters since 2002, on the third Thursday of November, under the UNESCO’s regular programme.
ii.The resolution for the proclamation of World Philosophy Day was included in the provisional agenda of the 171st session of the UNESCO Executive Board at the request of Morocco.
iii.In 2005, The 33rd session of the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the resolution 33C/Resolution 37 and proclaimed the 3rd Thursday of every year as World Philosophy Day.
Objectives :
The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of philosophy, promote critical thinking, encourage global dialogue on contemporary issues by utilizing philosophical tools, highlight the value of teaching philosophy across cultures, and underline its role in addressing societal challenges through intellectual reflection.
2024 Observance:
The 2024 World Philosophy Day focus on “Philosophy: bridging social gaps,” which highlights the role of philosophy in mending the social fabric and fostering a more cohesive society
- The 2024 observance included a High-level plenary session on ” Philosophy supporting Youth inclusion”.
What is Philosophy?
i.Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and value. Philosophy is a way of thinking about certain subjects such as ethics, thought, existence, time, meaning and value.
ii.The term “philosophy” means, “love of wisdom.”
