The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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 each individual.
World Philosophy Day 2023 falls on 16 November 2023.
- World Philosophy Day 2022 was observed on 17 November 2022 and World Philosophy Day 2024 will be observed on 21 November 2024.
The observance of World Philosophy Day is annually led by UNESCO.
Background:
i.The first ever World Philosophy Day was observed on 21st November 2002(3rd Thursday of November 2002).
ii.Since 2002, the day has been observed at the headquarters and the fields under UNESCO’s regular programme.
iii.At the request of the Kingdom of Morocco,the item for the proclamation of World Philosophy Day was included in the agenda of the 171st session of the Executive Board.
iv.In 2005, the General Conference of UNESCO at its 33rd session adopted a resolution 33 C/Resolution 37 and proclaimed the 3rd Thursday of every year as World Philosophy Day.
Objectives of World Philosophy Day:
i.To renew the national, subregional, regional, and international commitment to philosophy;
ii.To foster philosophical analysis, research, and studies on major contemporary issues to respond more effectively to the challenges that are confronting humanity today;
iii.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;
iv.To appraise the state of philosophy teaching throughout the world, with special emphasis on unequal access;
v.To underline the importance of the universalization of philosophy teaching for future generations.
What is Philosophy?
i.Philosophy, derived from the Greek words “philo” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom), is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
ii.Philosophy is an inspiring discipline as well as an everyday practice that can transform societies.
iii.It is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and each other.
