World Philosophy Day

World Philosophy Day History

World Philosophy Day is a UNESCO initiative aimed at promoting philosophical thinking and reflection on a global scale. The Observance encourages critical analysis, independent inquiry, and the fostering of intellectual dialogue among people of different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds. By doing so, it promotes a sense of shared values and understanding, crucial for peace and social harmony.

Introduced in 2002, the celebration of World Philosophy Day has been held annually on the third Thursday of November ever since. For the Australian community, this prominent event provides an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich philosophical heritage of both Indigenous and Western traditions. Moreover, World Philosophy Day serves as a reminder for Australians to engage in critical thinking and ethical reflection, which are indispensable tools for addressing the complex challenges facing our society.

Various educational institutions, organizations, and research centers across Australia celebrate World Philosophy Day by organizing conferences, roundtable discussions, workshops, and debates, centred around diverse philosophical themes and issues. Additionally, people are encouraged to participate in informal philosophical conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. By observing World Philosophy Day, Australians contribute to building a culture of thought and dialogue, paving the way for a more intellectually vibrant and inclusive society. This year, World Philosophy Day in Australia will be celebrated on the third Thursday of November, as in other countries around the world. So mark your calendars and be ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of philosophical contemplation and dialogue.

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.
• By the mid-20th century, Australian philosophers began to develop a distinctive approach to philosophy, influenced by ordinary language philosophy, linguistic philosophy, and analytical philosophy. Prominent figures during this period include Aloysius Martinich, P. T. Geach, John Anderson, and David Armstrong.
• During the early 20th century, Australian philosophers were predominantly involved in debates surrounding idealism, pragmatism, and logical positivism.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Philosophy Day

Top things to do in Australia 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.
• Gather a group of like-minded individuals and form a philosophy book club. Choose a philosophical book or collection of essays to read, and meet regularly to discuss the themes and ideas presented.
• Organize outdoor activities such as hikes or nature walks in collaboration with philosophical discussions. This allows participants to connect with nature while exploring philosophical concepts in an informal setting.