In 2005 the UNESCO General Conference by the resolution 33C/45 proclaimed that World Philosophy Day would be celebrated every third Thursday of November. In establishing World Philosophy Day UNESCO strives to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respects human dignity and diversity. The Day encourages academic exchange and highlights the contribution of philosophical knowledge in addressing global issues. Philosophy – which is part of the humanities - questions every dimension of human life. UNESCO has always been closely linked to philosophy, which is defined as a “School of Freedom” in one of its major publications. Through critical questioning, philosophy gives meaning to life and action in the international context. The link between philosophy and UNESCO stems from the inquiry on the possibility of and necessary conditions for the establishment of long-term peace and security in the world.

FORUM: World Philosophy Day 2020 - Why a Philosophy Day?

Many thinkers state that “astonishment” is the root of philosophy. Indeed, philosophy stems from humans’ natural tendency to be astonished by themselves and the world in which they live.This field, which sees itself as a form of “wisdom”, teaches us to reflect on reflection itself, to continually question well-established truths, to verify hypotheses and to find conclusions.For centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas and analyses, and, through this, has set down the basis for critical, independent and creative thought.World Philosophy Day celebrates the importance of philosophical reflection, and encourages people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other. For UNESCO, philosophy provides the conceptual bases of principles and values on which world peace depends: democracy, human rights, justice, and equality. Philosophy helps consolidate these authentic foundations of peaceful coexistence.

Statement from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Philosophy Day, 19 November 2020

World Philosophy Day in 2020 is, in more ways than one, exceptional. It is being celebrated in the midst of a health crisis, an economic crisis, a climate crisis and an existential crisis. The current pandemic is challenging many aspects of our societies, namely how we relate to our communities, to our condition as individuals and to our economic and political systems. This Day is therefore particularly meaningful this year. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate much more than an academic discipline or a human science, but a certain way of being in the world, made all the more necessary by the context in which we live today.Philosophy is in fact the fundamental process by which individuals relate to themselves and position themselves in the world.Far from being separate from life, philosophy contemplates, questions and determines life. According to the Senegalese philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne, philosophical activity “has a hold on human life”, providing a capacity to put things into perspective, shared by all cultures. Whether through formalized systems, spiritual traditions, or written and oral heritage, philosophy is a way of viewing and considering the world, rather than merely a subject matter; it is very much alive and in action.This is why philosophy is so necessary and valuable in times of “rough weather”, to borrow a phrase from contemporary French philosopher Vincent Descombes. At times of great uncertainty, philosophy is more relevant than ever, because by questioning the world it enables us to resist all forms of reductionism, and to see a bigger picture.During this turning point in the history of humanity, philosophy is an exceptional tool for understanding technological, environmental and human transformations, both conceptual and practical. In order to find answers to contemporary challenges, UNESCO relies daily on the resources of philosophy: by listening to all philosophies, including indigenous ones, in order to rebuild our relationship with nature; by asking philosophers to reflect upon the ethical principles of artificial intelligence; or, in the midst of the crisis, to look ahead and imagine the world of tomorrow through, for example, the series of videos called “Women’s Voices”. In the face of unprecedented crises and events, we are not unarmed. This World Day should be an occasion to celebrate philosophy, to remember that it provides some distance and comfort, and that it consolidates existence. It should also be an occasion to promote the practice of philosophy, from supporting university research to teaching philosophy to children as a way of opening their eyes to the world around them.On this World Philosophy Day, UNESCO therefore invites you to put into practice this intellectual distancing, which is the first step towards a lasting solution to the crises we are going through.

Happy World Philosophy Day to all!

Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director -General of UNESCO

EVENTS: The 2020 edition invites the world to reflect on the meaning of the current pandemic, underlining the need, more than ever before, to resort to philosophical reflection in order to face the multiple crises we are going through.The health crisis brings into question multiple aspects of our societies. In this context, philosophy helps us to take the necessary distance to better move forward, by stimulating critical reflection on problems that are already present, but which the pandemic has pushed to the forefront.

Programme of Events in 2020

1. "Being together in the face of the pandemic" 19 Nov 2020, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (GMT +1)

2. Round table "The languages of the pandemic" 19 Nov 2020, 4:00-6:00 PM (GMT +1)

3. Master Class against Racism & Discriminations: Philosophical Perspectives 19 Nov 2020, 1:15-3:45 PM (GMT +1)

4. Roundtable "Health as a philosophical issue" 20 Nov 2020, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (GMT +1)

5. Round table "Fear, confidence, risk" 20 Nov 2020, 2 PM-4 PM (GMT +1)

6. 19th International Encounters on New Philosophical Practices: “The time to think; the time of thought” 19-20 Nov 2020, 9 AM-6:30 PM (GMT +1)

Documents

• Proclamation of World Philosophy Day - resolution 33C/45 (adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 33rd session)

• Preparation of a Strategy on Philosophy (169 EX/39 Rev.)