유네스코가 지정한 “세계 철학의 날(World Philosophy Day, 매년 11월 셋째주 목요일)”을 맞이하여 새롭게 국제철학연맹의 회장으로 선출된 김혜숙 회장께서 축하 메시지를 보내오셨습니다. 전문은 아래와 같습니다.
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2024
To all member societies, associations, and institutes of FISP
World Philosophy Day, celebrated on the initiative of UNESCO
Once again, we celebrate World Philosophy Day this year. I am honored to
deliver a message on this occasion as the newly appointed President of FISP and
the first non-European woman philosopher to hold this position. However, when
reflecting on the realities that philosophy faces today, I feel heavy-hearted
as a philosopher. The political and economic instability across the world
threatens the daily lives of ordinary citizens more than ever. In the midst of
these disasters and instabilities, the normalization of anxiety, conflict, and
hatred has become a reality that philosophy must confront. The terrifying
advancements in weaponry using digital technology make us ponder the
frightening future that technological progress might bring. On this World
Philosophy Day, we are prompted to reflect on what kind of hope philosophy can
offer to humanity.
Philosophy, across East and West, North and South, has always focused on
the fundamental questions of human existence and life. In an increasingly
complex world, the concerns of philosophy might appear deceptively simple. This
is because philosophers around the world have consistently pursued a common
goal: a good life, a just society, rational beliefs, and meaningful
communication. Most philosophers begin as critical skeptics of the current
state of life. However, their criticism, skepticism, and negation are, in
essence, expressions of a deep desire to overcome the very issues they
critique. The fulfillment of this desire may forever remain deferred.
Nevertheless, as philosophers, we will strive to find the appropriate balance
point that we can identify and pursue.
Humans possess diverse means of communication—not only
linguistic but also sensory—and as such, I believe
philosophy will also navigate through the difficult challenges before us using
these various means. By broadening the boundaries of philosophy and moving
beyond the narrow confines of rationality that have previously defined us, we
will be better equipped to address the complexity of the problems we face.
Even in the face of challenges, philosophers will continue to engage in
thought, posing questions and seeking answers. Whether the issue concerns
peace, truth, race, gender, or AI, philosophers will think, reflect, and
express their thoughts with hope for humanity.
On this World Philosophy Day, I invite you to join us on this journey of thought. Let us open new horizons of thought together and create hope for the world.