International Conference of Philosophy for Children 2013
"Language, Diversity and Understanding: Cosmopolitan Perspectives"
from 17 - 20 October 2013 in Graz/Austria. Our society is in constant change due to the economic, political and cultural processes of globalization. This congress will take a critical look at the resulting challenges such as diversity, participation, equal opportunities, justice and education. An open and successful coexistence is only possible through the appreciation of cultural diversity as well as through the binding nature of human rights. This year's congress will focus on the following questions: How is understanding possible in a pluralistic society? Can philosophical education teach us how to live together in cultural diversity? How can philosophical-rational dialogue provide orientation in a diverse and often contradictory society? Do the individual and his or her rights disappear behind the excessive emphasis on cultural identity? What contribution can cosmopolitan thinking make to overcoming cultural stereotypes? Through philosophical educational work, independent critical and creative thinking, as well as reflection, competence can be promoted and judgment can be practiced. The congress aims to initiate a discourse on the potential inherent in cultural diversity and multilingualism and to make it visible in a sustainable way. "Philosophy and democracy call us to use our judgment, to choose the best form of political and social organization for us, to recognize our values for ourselves, in short, to become in a comprehensive way what each of us is, namely a free human being." (Federico Mayor, former UNESCO Director General) An important goal of this Congress is to identify the diversity, complexity and dynamism in the rapidly changing world of today. This can help to position and embed children's ways of life and ideas in the ever-growing generational contexts. It is a challenge for philosophy to foster language, understanding, and inquisitiveness, and to encourage young people to question and think in terms of alternatives. A particularly important objective of this year's congress is to bring insights that are both scientifically sound as well as communicatively and socially translatable into practice. This congress will contribute to the repositioning and qualitative improvement of curricular models. As the great interest of the approximately 200 congress participants from 30 countries, including renowned international experts from various disciplines and fields, shows, our activities have become exemplary beyond national borders. We are expecting another eventful congress this year. The topics of the congress include the following:
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