The Philosophical Studies Centre at Mohamed bin Zayed University for the Humanities is poised to host its highly anticipated second international conference on philosophy, themed “Philosophy and the Challenge of Theoretical and Social Progress.” Scheduled to unfold on February 6 to 7, this conference is set to draw the participation of distinguished thinkers and academics from around the globe.
A remarkable lineup of 62 researchers, representing 35 universities and institutions across 16 countries, will take the stage during 8 meticulously curated sessions spanning the two-day event. The conference’s intellectual landscape will be shaped by the presentation of 56 research papers, each delving into various dimensions of the overarching theme. These contributions are expected not only to foster insightful discussions but also to expand perspectives within the philosophical realm.
Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, serving as the university’s chancellor, has emphatically reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to advancing philosophy, ethics, and knowledge within the broader societal context. Al Dhaheri underscores the pivotal role of philosophical studies within educational institutions, emphasizing their inherent potential to act as catalysts for progress, innovation, and intellectual renewal.
In the contemporary world, Al Dhaheri contends that a renewed emphasis on moral values and knowledge is imperative for the cultivation of resilient individuals, thriving nations, and a collectively better future for all. The conference emerges as a substantial platform designed not only to reassess and reshape philosophical studies but also to empower them to meaningfully contribute to these noble objectives.
The establishment of the Centre for Philosophical Studies at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities stands out as a noteworthy milestone, being recognized as the first of its kind in the country dedicated to philosophical research. This strategic initiative aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals and vision of Abu Dhabi 2030 and the UAE government. It places a pronounced emphasis on capacity building, intellectual pursuits, and the cultivation of values such as tolerance and coexistence, integral to the nation’s core principles.
The centre assumes a pivotal role in realizing the university’s broader vision concerning the development of humanities as both a field of study and an academic program. The conference, therefore, represents not merely a singular event but rather a testament to the enduring commitment of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities to propel philosophical discourse forward. It underscores the institution’s profound impact on societal progress and its integral role in promoting values fundamental to the core principles of the United Arab Emirates.