New Acropolis Canada invites you to celebrate the first World Philosophy Day!

UNESCO recognizes and promotes the rebirth of philosophy as a necessary component of our modern culture. In 1995, the organization established the Philosophy Forum. In 2002, it introduced UNESCO Philosophy Day, an annual event celebrated on the third Thursday of November.

In October 2004, UNESCO inscribed this event in its calendar of world days. On November 17, 2005, as UNESCO begins celebrating its 60th anniversary, the world is invited to celebrate the first World Philosophy Day by organizing "activities and debates on philosophical issues."

As a School of Philosophy in the Classical Tradition, New Acropolis Montreal naturally and easily responds to this call, celebrating the importance of philosophy in the life of the individual and society.

New Acropolis Montreal responds to this call easily because, since its foundation, philosophy has been its raison d'être, source of vitality and ultimate aim. It is this motivation that enabled New Acropolis Montreal to join IONA (International Organization New Acropolis), which is a philosophical and cultural institution organized as an international federation of philosophical organizations from various countries (45) that adhere to IONA's founding charter and principles of action.

New Acropolis Montreal responds to this call even more naturally because, in essence, its vision of philosophy resonates with UNESCO's and its educational, ecological and humanitarian activities respond to the needs outlined by the United Nations.

IONA's international charter, annual resolutions and action in the world are a compelling indication of this.

UNESCO [translation] "grew out of a reflection on the conditions needed to ensure that peace and security reign sustainably throughout the world."

New Acropolis grew out of a practical desire to work together towards the development of a just, peaceful society that is profoundly human and in harmony with nature, towards a society free of politicization, violence, pollution, covetousness and the arrogant, vain exploitation of humanity and the natural world by humans.

UNESCO states that it has always fostered [translation] "a close link with a philosophy that is neither speculative nor normative, but a critical questioning that gives meaning to life and action."

Since 1957, New Acropolis has developed a philosophy that is a global path combining theory and practice and aimed at fully developing the Human in each individual, social harmony and an ecological relationship with nature.

The preamble to UNESCO's constitution affirms that "since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed."

Since 1957, New Acropolis has affirmed the importance of the individual and the need for all members of society to regain contact with their profoundly human dimension through an inner awakening. It is here that we uncover what the image of the Acropolis means, as the most elevated and noble dimension that all individuals possess within themselves. It is here that we also gain an understanding of spirituality as everything relating to the spirit of humanity.

UNESCO emphasizes the need for an "international philosophical culture" and the certitude that [translation] "knowledge fosters understanding and leads the way towards moral and intellectual solidarity within the human race, which is the only way to ensure sustainable, authentic peace."

New Acropolis emphasizes the need to look at all of the great cultures and thinkers that have existed throughout history in order to identify timeless values that do not fall under any specific ideology or philosophical system, but belong to a common spiritual foundation for all of humanity. It is here that we find one of the meanings of the organization's label of School of Philosophy in the Classical Tradition. "Classical" does not mean "that which is old," but "that which endures over long periods of time and can inspire different generations to look beyond specific conventions and customs." It also means "non-submission to a specific school of thought or limited philosophy, such as rationalism or spiritualism."

For UNESCO, ignorance and prejudice are at the root of many conflicts, and philosophy must play [translation] "a role in awakening public opinion through a careful examination of the concepts that form the very foundation of human rights."

New Acropolis highlights the importance of extensive dialogue and the intelligence of recognizing the plurality of experiences acquired by the world's cultures and the various modes of thinking at the heart of these cultures. New Acropolis also emphasizes the [translation] "decisive role that the promotion of education and culture plays in helping to overcome injustices committed around the world."

For UNESCO, philosophy [translation] "reaches to the limits of human knowledge and all human activity."

For New Acropolis, philosophy is not "one discipline among many, but a global attitude toward research in science, spirituality, the arts, human history, etc."

New Acropolis Montreal can therefore quite naturally and easily respond to UNESCO's call by organizing "activities and debates on philosophical issues" not only on one day, but over many weeks.

Let us reach "to the limits of all human activity," in the search for timeless values that can create the [translation] "conditions needed to ensure that peace and security reign sustainably throughout the world."