The Arab States region is at an important juncture in its contemporary history. Waves of protests and revolutions have rocked the region and serious socio-economic and environmental challenges are increasing the precarity and fragility of its societies and communities. COVID-19 has added to these challenges and highlighted the existing inequalities and deteriorating infrastructures in the region. In this context “time” has taken on new qualities – it has become slower through lockdowns and restrictions on mobility and faster through increased electronic communications. The nature of work, domestic practices, education and leisure are all affected. How can approaches from Philosophy help us understand the new quality of life? How do revolutions and pandemics intersect to reshape the Arab region?
On the occasion of World Philosophy Day 2020, UNESCO Beirut Office, the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, the Arab Council for the Social Sciences and the International Center for Human Sciences jointly organize a webinar on 19 November. Founded on a philosophical basis “Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defences of peace must be constructed”, UNESCO strives to promote an international culture of philosophical debate that respects human dignity and diversity.
First Session – Panel Discussion on “Temporality in Contemporary Arab thought in the current temporality of the Arab Region”.Time: 1-3pm Beirut time
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/j/91404692339?pwd=VG9tVzRZV0lOMWFPS2VWUzVQOENnQT09
Passcode: 676151
Second Session- Dialogue on “The new practices of philosophy for social change: Educational approaches to learning to live together in all circumstances” 4-6pm Beirut time
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/j/99132053446?pwd=M0RCQ1dadElmaHR1UFBlby9XQjJPZz09
Passcode: 468564
Debates are in Arabic, English and French (with simultaneous translation available).