Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th November at 7:30pm
World Philosophy Day
In support of UNESCO’s World Philosophy Day, New Acropolis is offering 3 evenings of inspiring and informative presentations to share the philosophical heritage of humanity. World Philosophy Day is a celebration of practical ideas for facing the challenges of today and envisioning a brighter future.
Each evening will consist of 2 talks of about 35 minutes in length, with a break for light refreshments and philosophical conversation.
Programme
Tues, 15 November 2011, 7.30 pm
Greece – Ancient and Modern. Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 – 1957)
A presentation of the life and work of the fiery writer, poet and philosopher, celebrated for his novel “Zorba the Greek”. One of the most important Greek writers, poets and philosophers of the 20th century, he was awarded the International Peace Award in 1956. Kazantzakis was deeply influenced by the writings of Nietzsche and Bergson and the philosophies of Christianity, Marxism and Buddhism. In his work he attempted to synthesize these different worldviews.
Self-discovery through Beauty: Lessons from the Neoplatonists of Alexandria
From Plotinus to Proclus, these philosophers proposed a synthesis of many different traditions, ranging from Plato and Aristotle to the Egyptian and perhaps even Indian worldviews. The Neoplatonists regarded love and beauty as essential components of the philosophical journey. How can we learn from the experience of beauty, and how can experiencing something as beautiful lead to the realization of our true nature: the divine in us.
Wed, 16 November 2011, 7.30 pm
Islamic Traditions. Sufism
This presentation will describe the guiding principles of Sufi philosophy and Sufi practices: mysticism, divine love and how to live in oneness. The talk will also include a brief history of Sufism and how Eastern traditions were introduced to the West.
Islam and the Spirit of Living
The knowledge and mastery of the art of living are not givens within the Islamic tradition. On the contrary, one of the noblest activities that man can pursue is the quest to uncover how one elevates consciousness from survival mode to a state of fully conscious living and manifesting. The talk will outline some of the key features of the Islamic spiritual discourse and in doing so will implicitly indicate the universality of its spiritual message.
Thurs, 17 November 2011, 7.30 pm
Philosophy and History
What are the motors of history – economics, religion, politics, ideas? Do individuals have a role to play in history, or are men and women merely puppets moved by the gods or by blind forces of evolution? This talk will show how the study of history leads to a deeper understanding of life and human nature, of the natural cycles of growth, decay and renewal. It is a way of feeling more connected with nature, humanity and our deeper selves.
Philosophy as a Way of Life – A tribute to Pierre Hadot (1922 – 2010)
Pierre Hadot was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy specializing in ancient philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism. One of his main arguments was that philosophical discourse is inseparable from the philosophical life: “No discourse worthy of being called philosophical, that is separated from the philosophical life; no philosophical life, if it is not strictly linked to philosophical discourse.” His originality lay in the way he was able to extract philosophical exercises from the works of ancient philosophers and show that they were designed for practical application. The talk aims to make his life and work more widely known in the English-speaking world.
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