International Conference on Philosophy for Children "Cosmopolitanism and Identity"

Cosmopolitanism has a long history dating back to antiquity. The emphasis is placed on what humanity has in common. This aspect of cosmopolitanism blossomed during the Entlightenment, taking the form of universalism, including the 1789 "Declaration of Human Rights" and Kant's idea of a "league of Nations". "...that we take seriously the value not just of human life but of particular human lives." Kwame Anthony Appiah

Over this long period of history, leading up to today, different versions of cosmopolitanismhave differentiated between the mere recognition of human differences and our moralobligation toward ‘The Other’ in various ways.

The global world has become reality and poses a great challenge to us. We must orient ourselves in a world of different value systems; deal with the processes of globalisation andphenomena such as flight, displacement, migration, mobility and diversity; think about theecological and social consequences of our behaviour as consumers; reassess our traditionalconcepts of identity, culture and homeland; respond in a flexible way to the requirementsimposed by a rapidly-changing, working world; and make responsible political decisions aswell as assess the consequences of our actions.

The context of a globalised world also requires us to think in new ways in order to respond to changes in society and fulfil the important educational tasks of our time. Innovative, sustainable and educational strategies are required, which respond to the continuallyincreasing rate of economic, political and cultural globalisation processes, and enable us toconstruct our own identities.

How can we prepare young people for the globalised world? What knowledge, competencies, skills and strategies are necessary to ensure a peaceful society where justice prevails? An effective educational approach develops within the framework of a philosophicalcommunity of inquiry enabling children and young people to use critical, creative and caring frames of reasoning to understand cultural differences, value systems and processes. The aimis to support young people from diverse cultures to be open to new ideas, help them construct their own identities, and encourage them to become aware of and learn to appreciate their own potential and that of ‘The Other’.

This year’s conference represents an intercultural, transdisciplinary forum that provides a supportive venue for philosophical discussions about the current global phenomena. An important objective at this conference is to instigate the exchange of different approaches and, in this way, additional basic knowledge explicit both for concepts as well as initiatives in educational practices and policy.

Information hotline and registration:

ACPC – Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Youth

Phone: +43 (0) 316 90 370 201

Email: [email protected]

Venue: Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz,

Meerscheinschlössl, Mozartgasse 3, A-8010 Graz

Conference fee: € 60,-

Members: € 30.-Students: free entry

Organizer: ACPC – Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Youth

Schmiedgasse 12, A-8010 Graz

Phone: +43 (0) 316 90 370 201

Email: [email protected]

www.kinderphilosophie.at

Conference languages: English and German (simultaneous translation)