Wednesday, February 27, 2008

World Congress of Philosophy to be hosted in Seoul, South Korea in 2008


The World Congress of Philosophy is organized every five years by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), in collaboration with one of its member societies, which assumes responsibility for the organization of the Congress.

The XXII World Congress of Philosophy will be held in Seoul, Korea from July 30 through August 5, 2008 under the auspices of the Korean Philosophical Association. It has several aims, which are to be understood as complementary.

To call attention to the importance of philosophical reflection on philosophy itself, especially critical reflection on the diverse forms taken by contemporary philosophy and the history of philosophy.

To reflect on the tasks and functions of philosophy in the contemporary world, taking account of the contributions, expectations, and gaps in philosophical awareness that are associated with other disciplines such as the natural and humane sciences, with political, religious, social, economic, financial, technological, etc, activities, as well as with diverse cultures and traditions.

The first World Congress to be held in Asia, the Seoul Congress presents a clear invitation to rethink the nature, roles, and responsibilities of philosophy and of philosophers in the age of globalization. It is committed to paying heed to the problems, conflicts, inequalities, and injustices connected with the development of a planetary civilization that is at once multicultural and techno-scientific.

3 comments:

Hanno said...

Hey, I went to the world Congress of Philosophy when it was held in Brighton, England. That was, what, '90? Had a good time. Those Finnish philosophers are hot.

Anonymous said...

With such an impressive title, I expect great ideas from this event. However, it is probably more of an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry.

Hanno said...

Well, its a conference like any other, though bigger and more diverse. Big names will be there. I memorably saw AJ Ayer and donald Davidson speak. Davidson delivered what to me is still a classic line, on whether animals can think:

"Stories about how cute animals are are not convincing."