World Philosophy Day

World Philosophy Day History

World Philosophy Day is an annual observance instituted by UNESCO with the aim of promoting philosophical reflection and encouraging dialogue among cultures. The event highlights the importance of critical thinking, philosophical inquiry, and the value of wisdom in addressing global challenges. It also seeks to foster greater awareness of the role philosophy plays in shaping our beliefs, values, and actions, both as individuals and as a society.

For New Zealand, the celebration of World Philosophy Day holds special significance due to the country's unique cultural, historical, and philosophical landscape. With its rich Māori heritage, steeped in values such as whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (hospitality), New Zealand serves as a testament to the diversity of philosophical thought across the globe. Furthermore, the nation's ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding between various cultural groups underscores the core principles of World Philosophy Day.

In observance of World Philosophy Day, schools, universities, and community groups across New Zealand often engage in activities that celebrate and foster the exchange of ideas. These may include panel discussions, workshops, and presentations exploring diverse aspects of philosophical thought and application. These events serve as a platform for New Zealanders to engage with local and global philosophical traditions, helping them better understand the value of philosophy in shaping their world. World Philosophy Day is observed on the third Thursday of November in New Zealand, coinciding with the international celebration endorsed by UNESCO.

World Philosophy Day facts

• Rene Descartes is considered to be the father of modern Western philosophy. He is widely credited with being the first to use the concept of reason to develop the natural sciences. He lived from 1596 to 1650.
• Thales of Miletus is widely considered to be the father of philosophy. He was a Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer that lived around 624-546BC.
• With the arrival of Europeans in New Zealand in the 19th century, Western philosophical ideas began to have an impact on the country. Early European settlers were influenced by British empiricism, Scottish common sense philosophy, and the Christian faith.
• The discipline of philosophy was first introduced in New Zealand universities by British philosophers, such as John Gould, who began teaching at the University of Otago in 1870.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Philosophy Day

Top things to do in NZ for World Philosophy Day

• Raise awareness on social media by using the tags #WorldPhilosophyDay, #PhilosophyDay and #PhilosophyandCooperation
• Tune in to the live webcast of the philosophical debates on UNESCO’s website. It can be streamed in French or English at the UNESCO site.
• Take some time to write a personal reflection on a philosophical topic or question that interests you. Share your thoughts with others and encourage them to do the same.
• Use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to gather your friends and engage in philosophical discussions on various topics. You can choose a specific theme or philosopher to focus on.