World Philosophy Day-2012

SOPHIA
Year-01, Issue-02

(Student Magazine)
November, 2012

Nisha Khangan (Editor) Rajni Bala(Co-editor)

The Positive Philosophy Society

P.G.Govt. College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh
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World Philosophy Day-2012

Editorial
Happy World Philosophy Day to all Teachers & Students

Its our pleasure to edit the second issue of Sophia on the occasion of World Philosophy Day. Previous issue was released on the occasion of Teachers Day. UNESCO considers Third Thursday of November of every year as the World Philosophy Day and also celebrated it as the birthday of great Greek philosopher Socrates. This year 15th November designated for this precious occasion. In the present issue we have included an introductory text on Socrates and also what consideration made for World Philosophy Day by UNESCO this year and why we celebrate world philosophy day. Here are also some articles related to philosophy and educational issues. We have also included three poems written by students of philosophy which reflect on different aspects of life. Philosophy reflects most fundamental concepts of life and guide us day to day life. Philosophical texts and the lives of philosophers provide us various ways to deal with our social, educational and personal life problems. So, this kind of event has a very important role in our academic environment. Hope our present initiative become successful by your valuable comments and kind consideration. Nisha Khangan 22nd November, 2012 Rajni Bala

Contact Us: Nisha Khangan, Editor (khangan.nisha189@gmail.com) Rajni Bala, Co-editor (rajni.coco@gmail.com)

Four things belong to a judge;;; to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially. SOCRATES

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SOCRATES (469-399 B.C.) A philosopher of Athens, generally regarded as one of the wisest people of all time. It is not known who his teachers were, but he seems to have been acquainted with the doctrines of PARMENIDES, HERACLITUS, and ANAXAGORAS. Socrates himself left no writings, and most of our knowledge of him and his teachings comes from the dialogues of his most famous pupil, PLATO, and from the memoirs of XENOPHON. Socrates is described as having neglected his own affairs, instead spending his time discussing virtue, justice, and piety wherever his fellow citizens congregated, seeking wisdom about right conduct so that he might guide the moral and intellectual improvement of Athens. Using a method now known as the Socratic dialogue, or dialectic, he drew forth knowledge from his students by pursuing a series of questions and examining the implications of their answers. Socrates equated virtue with the knowledge of one's true self, holding that no one knowingly does wrong. He looked upon the soul as the seat of both waking consciousness and moral character, and held the universe to be purposively mind-ordered. His criticism of the Sophists and of Athenian political and religious institutions made him many enemies, and his position was burlesqued by ARISTOPHANES. In 399 B.C. Socrates was tried for corrupting the morals of Athenian youth and for religious heresies; it is now believed that his arrest stemmed in particular from his influence on Alcibiades and Critias, who had betrayed Athens. He was convicted and, resisting all efforts to save his life, willingly drank the cup of poison hemlock given him. The trial and death of Socrates are described by Plato in the Apology, Crito, and Phaedo. World Philosophy Day-2012
UNESCO's General Conference was convinced that the institutionalization of Philosophy Day at UNESCO as world philosophy day would win recognition for and give strong impetus to philosophy and, in particular, to the teaching of philosophy in the world. In 2012, the World Philosophy Day will be held on Thursday, 15 November for the tenth time, with events being organized at the international, national and local levels. They will enable their participants to share a multitude of views and experiences, fully respecting cultural diversity, with regard to the main theme of the 2012 World Philosophy Day which is Future Generations. For UNESCO, philosophy offers a cross-cutting reflection and analysis that should permeate all disciplines which aim to build a better understanding of our present world and develop adequate responses to challenges. Philosophers have a very important role in shedding light on contemporary challenges, especially when these relate to ethics and justice. We believe that critical thinking, foresight, and ethical judgment are invaluable ingredients for a healthy society. For this reason UNESCO strives to strengthen the philosophical perspective in all its programmes and fields of action. UNESCO leads World Philosophy Day but does not own it. It belongs to everyone, everywhere, who cares about philosophy. On this Day of collective exercise in free, reasoned and informed thinking on the major challenges of our time, all of UNESCOs partners (national governments, their public institutions and organizations, including National Commissions for UNESCO, relevant non-governmental organizations, associations, universities, institutes, schools, UNESCO/UNITWIN Chairs, Associated Schools and Clubs and so forth)

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are encouraged to organize various types of activities - philosophical dialogues, debates, conferences, workshops, cultural events and presentations around the general theme of the Day, with the participation of philosophers and scientists from all branches of natural and social sciences, educators, teachers, students, press journalists and other mass media representatives, and the general public. Source: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/internationaldays/world-philosophy-day/

Why a Philosophy Day? Many thinkers state that astonishment is the root of philosophy. Indeed, philosophy stems from humans natural tendency to be astonished by themselves and the world in which they live. This field, which sees itself as a form of wisdom, teaches us to reflect on reflection itself, to continually question well-established truths, to verify hypotheses and to find conclusions. For centuries, in every culture, philosophy has given birth to concepts, ideas and analyses, and, through this, has set down the basis for critical, independent and creative thought. UNESCOs Philosophy Day allowed this institution to celebrate, in particular, the importance of philosophical reflection, and to encourage people all over the world to share their philosophical heritage with each other. For UNESCO, philosophy provides the conceptual bases of principles and values on which world peace depends: democracy, human rights, justice, and equality. Philosophy helps consolidate these authentic foundations of peaceful coexistence. Over seventy countries, including twenty-five in Africa, celebrated the first two Philosophy Days which offered everyone, regardless of their culture, the opportunity to think about different questions such as: Who are we as individuals and as a world community? It is up to us to reflect upon the state of the world and determine whether it corresponds to our ideals of justice and equality. It is up to us to ask ourselves whether our society is living according to the ethical and moral norms of our great Declarations. This Philosophy Day thus provided us with the occasion to ask ourselves questions that are often forgotten: What do we neglect to think about? Which intolerable realities do we get used to? Mika Shino Philosopher, former UNESCO Programme Specialist SHS Newsletter 04 - Foresight: the future in the present, January-March 2004 Source:http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-humansciences/themes/philosophy/philosophy-day-at-unesco/why-a-philosophy-day/

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BELIEVE I believe in my dreams And I will never lose hope. I believe in my goal So with competition I can cope . I believe in my talent And will make the best of it. I believe in my future For which Ill bit by bit . I believe in my abilities I will make my own name. I believe I can do it So I can win lifes game. I believe in myself Though the world may not. Ill make Impossible possible Because I believe in myself a lot.

Neha Vashishta B.A. Final Year (5509)

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PHILOSOPHY
General meaning of philosophy is taken as vision or Darshan, but a philosophy is not just a vision or set of thoughts. It is a way of life, as we observe, visualize, think, express and apply out thinking. However, this explanation depends upon the way in which we use the concepts. Philosophy survives in every aspect of life we just recognize it. It starts form the environment goes through the mind and again goes to the environment. For instance, the freedom fighters observed the situation and visualized that the britishers were exploiting us in every manner. Then, they thought of throwing them out of the nation and expressed their intentions to get more and more support from the common people. In the end, they applied their plans in the society. Though, the thought of getting freedom was generated due to the outside environment. Hence, the second step of philosophy depends upon the first step which is observation. But, the philosophy of independence was completed due to its final step i.e. application. Otherwise, it would have been just a thought. So, philosophy is the process which starts from the environment (observing) goes through the mind (visualizing and thinking) and turn back to the environment (by expressing and applying). Manju Chauhan B.A.IIIrd Year (5341)

TEACHERS AS NATION BUILDERS

The teacher plays a very important role in the life of a student. He plays the key role in the development of the student. He is the nation-builder the real sense. He can make his nation great and strong. He shapes his students in good and responsible citizens. He doesnt work for the reward. It will be the biggest reward for him if he will be satisfy from his job. He should work with a missionary spirit. An honest teacher is the pride of the whole society. He is an asset to the nation. He is held in high esteem. He is the source of inspiration for the students. He should be caring and sympathetic towards his students. He should serve as the lighthouse for the students. A good teacher is the master of his subject. His method of teaching should be very simple, clear and to the point. His lessons should sink well into the mind of the students. He can set an example of good and noble life for the students as well as others. Degrees and diplomas do not make a good teacher. His own honesty, thinking, qualities n behavior makes him a good teachers degrees and diplomas just help him to find a job of a teacher. The teacher should be a very balance personality. He should know how to behave, how to talk and most important how to TEACH? He should help to his students to become confident and also help them to come out themselves from their difficulties. A nation can become great through his efforts.

Puneet Sharma B.A.IIIrd Year (5854)

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KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is the virtue in Socrates view; Its an achievement; without any milieu (limits). Fields are many but sources are few; Its an achievement ; Gives confidence to you.
If you have knowledge of what, where and why; by whom, how and when then youll get a clear vision. Knowledge is a path, To pull out you from dark; But a teacher is the torch To show you the true path. Knowledge is worthless Without any use; As the mango tree is useless, without any fruits. A teacher is always true, He gives us the knowledge , of false and true. Teachers are many , but few are true. Knowledge is a virtue In Socrates view. Manju Chauhan ,B.A. Final (5341) 7

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THE REAL EXAM OF LIFE

God is a great examiner and We all are examinees. The life is our answer sheet on which We have to take the examination. This world is hall, Where, we all are seating to give examination. The time allowed is only three hours, First hour bell rings at the childhood, Second at youth, Third and last is at old age. Hence examination gets over, So dont try to cheat and deceive anyone. You may lose, You cant say that paper was lengthy and time was short. If we fail, we have to come back Again to the same hall in our new life and If we pass, we quit the hall and return with no mark!!!!!!! Kanchan B.A. First Year (1179)

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TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIP The teacher and student relationship is the very important for student and teacher also. Both spend 5 to 7 hours with each other in a day. Both are incomplete without each other. The relationship of teacher and student should be very positive and balance and limited. Because a positive and limited relationship between both, help to a student to share his/her problem. The teacher in the classroom should be polite, active and the understanding level of the teacher should be good, because in a classroom there are different-different students and they all have different attitudes and levels. A teacher can encourage his/her student. He/she can make his/her student optimistic, confident, and even successful also. Both have to understand that a teacher is not a way to get success and a student is not a way to earn money by learning and learning. In the case of teacher and student , interaction is most important for a successful and positive relationship. A close but limited relationship between a teacher and student can helpful for those students who are shy and find difficulty to speak in front of the other students. It can be helpful for those students also who have low self-esteem and not confident about their own selves. Of course a teacher cant understand every problem of the student, but he/she can give acquire enough information for those students who are suffering or struggling with specific tasks. If a teacher can do efforts for his/her student then the student also has to give respect to his/her teacher, the student has to be cooperative. So, afterall making a good relationship they both have to be (honest with each other. It is the duty of the teacher to give his/her student good education and to aware them about good and bad. So, if you are teacher then feel proud because you can make someone successful and if you are a student then be very happy and also feel proud because you gain knowledge from those teachers who always try to make your future bright.

Rajni Bala B.A.IInd Year (6443)

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Previous Programmes organized by the Department of Philosophy

Session 2010-2011 Bhavanjali 2010, P.G. Govt. College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh held on dated 30th October 2010. "World Philosophy Day Celebration" at Depts. of Sanskrit and Philosophy, P.G. Govt. College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh on dated 27-11, 2010. Session 2011-2012 ICPR Sponsored Periodical Lectures at Department of Philosophy with academic assistance by Deptt. of Hindi, PGGCG-11, Chandigarh held on 10th February 2012. Session 2012-2013 Milan-2012 (Student-Event): 25th August, 2012 Teachers Day Celebrations (Student-Event): 5th September, 2012 Lecture organized on World Philosophy Day on 22nd November, 2012.

Picture-I: Prof. H.S.Sinha delivering his lecture. Picture-II: Students releasing first issue of Sophia.

PRESENT WORKING COMMITTEE THE POSITIVE PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY

President: Ms. Rashi Verma (B.A.IIIrd Year) Vice-President: Ms. Neha Vashishta (B.A.IIIrd Year) Secretary: Ms. Rajni Bala (B.A.IInd Year) Joint-Secretary: Ms. Kanchan (B.A.Ist Year) Associate-Members Ms. Nisha Khangan (B.A.IIIrd Year) Ms. Shubhangi (B.A.IIIrd Year) Ms. Neha (B.A.IInd Year) Ms.Neha Shyam (B.A.IInd Year) Ms. Aditi Katoch (B.A.IInd Year) Ms. Shavnam (B.A.Ist Year) Ms. Saravjeet (B.A.Ist Year) Ms. Jasveer (B.A.Ist Year) Incharge: Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

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