Dialoghi filosofici su questioni sociali critiche / Philosophical Dialogues about Critical Societal Questions

Description

Since the time of Plato, a prominent method of philosophical inquiry has been to engage in dialogue with others on fundamental matters, including the nature of human beings, the tension between appearance and reality, the relationship between ideology and truth, human behavior and its connection to the good, the best approaches to societal governance, and other such topics. Philosophers have often chosen a dialogic approach because they recognize that genuine insight is not a static, complete entity that can be possessed by a single individual. Instead, it emerges gradually as an “in-between” through the exchange of ideas between individuals who are genuinely interested in pursuing true insight and are willing to abandon their initial opinions in favor of better ones. Furthermore, the professionalization and specialization of philosophy as an academic discipline has led to a perception that philosophers are reluctant to address the fundamental questions and concerns of individuals and societies. This is perceived by many philosophers as a loss. In particular, in these times of turbulence, when societies around the globe are grappling with unprecedented challenges, there is a pressing need for impartial and critical reflection on these matters. However, the increasing sociocultural diversity and the awareness of the global repercussions of local decisions demonstrate that this reflection cannot be derived from a singular perspective. Therefore, in the present era, it is imperative that individuals from different philosophical and sociocultural backgrounds engage in dialogues about these matters and learn from one another’s insights, ideally culminating in enhanced mutual understanding.

In response to this challenge, the World Congress of Philosophy is organizing dialogic sessions to facilitate discourse on five critical societal questions. Following a short introductory presentation by an expert in the field, participants (up to ten per session) are invited to share their views on these questions. The inaugural session will address theme of trust, with Maria Baghramian serving as the introductory speaker. The concept of trust is often regarded as a fundamental prerequisite for all personal, societal, and political relationships. However, the precise nature of trust remains a subject of considerable debate. What are the factors that influence the exercise and recognition of trust? Who should we trust and how do we decide who is trustworthy? Does the concept of public trust diverge from the notion of personal trust? The second session will address the topic of republicanism, with Chrys Mantzavinos serving as the presenter. In the context of the contemporary rise of populism and authoritarian governance, a key question is how institutions can best serve the cause of freedom. Is freedom the most important value? What forms of institutions should be established to ensure that neither governmental nor private economic power becomes excessive? The third session will address the role of women in emerging countries, with Asha Mukherjee serving as the introductory presenter. Since the past century, women have played an increasingly prominent role in societal life and the global economy. This development raises the question of how the excesses of capitalism are related to the struggles of women. Should women be regarded as a source of social wealth with the potential to emancipate humanity? The fourth session addresses the topic of hospitality in a global world, with William Sweet serving as the session’s introductory speaker. The phenomenon of voluntary and forced migration is affecting societies across the globe in unprecedented ways. This gives rise to troubling questions, such as whether hospitality is a moral obligation. In the context of welcoming refugees, can hospitality be considered a duty or an act of virtue? Is everyone entitled to hospitality, or only members of some groups? Does the concept of hospitality have any bearing on the issue of the arrival and subsequent presence (of descendants) of “colonizers”? The final session will address the theme of tolerance in a multicultural world, with introductory remarks by Peter Jonkers. The capacity to tolerate the convictions and practices of others has consistently been a crucial aspect of human coexistence. Over time, this principle has been progressively enshrined in the constitutions of numerous countries. Nevertheless, it may be queried whether this has rendered tolerance an anachronistic virtue. How might we distinguish tolerance from indifference in a reasonable manner? Are there any limits to tolerance? If so, in the name of who or what are we entitled to grant or limit it?

The organizers of this World Congress of Philosophy are confident that the dialogic sessions will invigorate philosophical discourse and aspire for them to augment philosophy’s capacity to answer critical societal questions.

 Peter Jonkers,

Member of the Steering Committee of FISP and coordinator of the dialogic sessions.