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.

---------------------------------------

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.