International Philosophical Congress

The World Congresses of Philosophy are organized every five years by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies in collaboration with one of its member societies, which assumes responsibility for the organization of the Congress.

The XXII World Congress of Philosophy will be held from July 30 through August 5, 2008 in Seoul under the auspices of the Korean Philosophical Association. It has several aims, which are to be understood as complementary.
To call attention to the importance of philosophical reflection on philosophy itself, especially critical reflection on the diverse forms taken by contemporary philosophy and the history of philosophy.

To reflect on the tasks and functions of philosophy in the contemporary world, taking account of the contributions, expectations, and gaps in philosophical awareness that are associated with other disciplines such as the natural and humane sciences, with political, religious, social, economic, financial, technological, etc, activities, as well as with diverse cultures and traditions.

The first World Congress to be held in Asia, the Seoul Congress presents a clear invitation to rethink the nature, roles, and responsibilities of philosophy and of philosophers in the age of globalization. It is committed to paying heed to the problems, conflicts, inequalities, and injustices connected with the development of a planetary civilization that is at once multicultural and techno-scientific.

The main theme of the Congress will be developed, according to the tradition of the World Congresses, in the following four plenary sessions and five symposia.

PLENARY SESSIONS

1. Rethinking Moral. Social and Political Philosophy: Democracy, Justice and Globol Responsibility
2. Rethinking Metaphysics and Aesthetics: Reality, Beauty and the Meaning of Life

3. Rethinking Epistemology, Philosophy of Science and Technology: Knowledge and Culture
4. Rethinking History of Philosophy and Comparative Philosophy: Traditions, Critique and Dialogue

SYMPOSIA

1. Conflict and Tolerance Globalization and Cosmopolitanism
2. Bioethics, Environmental Ethics and Future Generations
3. Tradition, Modernity and Post-modernity: Eastern and Western
4. Perspectives of Philosophy in Korea