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‘The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.’ This quote was given by Socrates, a Greek philosopher and the father of Western philosophy. World Philosophy Day is a global event sanctioned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This day is celebrated every third Tuesday of November.
World Philosophy Day 2023 will be celebrated on 16th November all over the world. To this day, UNESCO aims to endure the value of philosophy for the development of human culture, thinking and existence. This day also highlights the great work of philosophers across the globe, who inspired millions of people to work towards collective goals. Let’s explore more about this global event.
Table of Contents
Also Read: 7 Best Philosophy Books of All Times
History
The first World Philosophy Day was observed on 21st November 2002, administered by the UNESCO. Activities conducted by UNESCO are closely associated with philosophy and critical questioning which talks about the meaning of life in the digital world. With time, the concept of philosophy has changed and today there are several categories.
- Metaphysics
- Axiology
- Ethics
- Logic
- Aesthetics
- Epistemology
- Political Philosophy
Philosophy is a global concept which comprises ideas such as the way of human thinking, value, existence, and knowledge. This multifaceted concept has its roots in ancient history, where great thinkers like Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, etc. have given ideas to revolutionise the world through their teachings. The table below highlights the timeline of philosophy.
| Year | Events |
| 6th Century BCE | Thales of Miletus started Western philosophy. |
| 21st November 2002 | First Observance of World Philosophy Day by UNESCO |
| 2005 | UNESCO Institutionalised the World Philosophy Day |
| 2016 | Celebrations of International Day for Tolerance by UNESCO |
Also Read: What is the Philosophy of Education?
Quotes on World Philosophy Day
Quote on World Philosophy Day works as a powerful tool for inspiration, communication, education, and self-reflection. In this way, these not only lead to individual benefits but also to the overall development of the society. Let’s check out some of the powerful and inspirational quotes on World Philosophy Day.
‘It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.’ – Aristotle
‘It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.’ – Confucius
‘ Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.’ – Plato
‘Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them.’ – David Hume
‘He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.’ – Friedrich Nietzsche
‘Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more intensely the mind of thought is drawn to them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.’ – Immanuel Kant
‘The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation.’ – John Stuart Mill
Importance of World Philosophy Day
In 2022, the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization organised a global event at the National Studio of Contemporary Arts at its headquarters in Paris, France. The theme of this exhibition was ‘The Human of the Future.’ On this day, it was highlighted that this global event belongs to everyone who is determined to see a positive future.
- It serves as a platform to encourage the youth to engage in critical thinking and reflect on critical issues challenging human existence.
- Emphasizing the true value of philosophical ideas will allow us to foster intellectual curiosity and the ability to analyze complex questions in different ways.
- The events organised on this day raise awareness about the importance of philosophy in solving contemporary global issues.
- Celebrating this day can promote a diversity of philosophical thoughts and traditions across the globe.
- The events organised by UNESCO highlight the rich cultural and philosophical perspectives to encore intercultural dialogue and contribute to promoting cultural diversity and tolerance.
- There are open discussions and debates on political, ethical and social challenges. These discussions facilitate the exchange of ideas and perspectives, open dialogue and mutual understanding among different communities.
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FAQs
A1. World Philosophy Day is annually administered by UNESCO on the third Tuesday of November. There is no fixed date to celebrate this global event. The World Philosophy Day 2023 will be celebrated on 16th November.
A2. Socrates is known as the Father of Western Philosophy. He was a Greek philosopher and was among the first moral philosophers of the ethical tradition of thought.
A3. Here are some of the greatest philosophers in the world: Plato, Socrates, Thales of Miletus, Immanuel Kant, John Locke, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, etc.
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