On November 15, the Pedagogical University observed World Philosophy Day.
On the occasion of the professional holiday and at the initiative of the Chair of Philosophy and Logic and Faculty of Art Education, the Pedagogical University hosted Farzaneh Shafiee (Iran), a representative of Iran and Eurasia Research Center (IRAS) and State Academy of Slavic Culture (Russian Federation), culturologist and philologist, and author of numerous scientific works.
During the meeting with the University students and lecturers, the guest dwelt on the relationship between Islam and Christianity in the context of modernization.
In her report, Farzaneh Shafiee did not attempt to present the existing problems between the world religions, rather, she tried to reveal historical and contemporary issues of Islam and Christianity and discuss the positive initiatives that are necessary during the dialogue with religious organizations.
“In pursuit of his interests, Man has tried to change his status, at the same time fully obeying these religions. This might be the initial point that gave rise to different outlooks, worldviews and differences of a person’s status,” she said.
In her speech, Farzaneh Shafiee emphasized the role of religion in the history of humanity, viewing it as the main reason for political conflicts and upheavals.
The international community sees the pending collisions that are ripening between different cultures and civilizations; however no measures and decisions are taken to eliminate the threat.
Referring to the religious dialogue in the modern world, she presented in detail the religious dialogues held after the Islamic revolution in Iran.
At the end of the lecture, the guest expressed her regret that in spite of all efforts and dialogues underway between different Christian directions, things remains unchanged.
Farzaneh Shafiee says the reason for the situation is the politicization of religion which, in its turn, is based on human ideas.
“Religion should not be viewed as a separate fact relating to a person. There are certain religious obligations for every believer that should not impact on the social life and other religions,” she stressed.
At the end of the meeting, Robert Jijyan, lecturer of the Chair of Philosophy and Logic, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Academician of the Philosophical Academy of Armenia, and Hasmik Hovhannisyan, Head of the Chair and Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, congratulated the presentees on the World Philosophy Day.
The latter expressed the hope that the collaboration with thee guest would continue in the future. Hasmik Hovhannisyan is hopeful that the Pedagogical University will establish a good tradition of celebrating the professional holiday.
Celebrated at UNESCO's initiative every third Thursday of November since 2002, World Philosophy Day makes philosophical reflection accessible around the world.
