World Philosophy Day was celebrated on 20 November at the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences (FFCS) of the Braga Campus of the Portuguese Catholic University.

The theme of the meeting was ‘Our attention today,’ highlighting the need to think about, value, and educate an essential skill for personal, academic, and social life, especially in a context marked by constant digital distractions. Around 300 students from various secondary schools in the region took part, including the Barcelos School Group, the Maximinos School Group, the Dom Diogo de Sousa College and the Martins Sarmento School in Guimarães.

The Director of FFCS, Bruno Nobre, conveyed the message that ‘philosophy is important for the future of the world’ and continues to be ‘an antidote to all the mishaps of history that diminish our humanity.’ 

‘Philosophy is a discipline that encourages critical and independent thinking and works towards a better understanding of the world and promotes tolerance and peace. So, philosophy is important for young people, philosophy is really important for the future of the world and that is what we are celebrating here,’ the director emphasised to the young students.

He said that understanding the human component is philosophy's main weapon and, therefore, ‘those who understand the human component will be more successful than those who live only in relation to technology.’

The session continued with a presentation on ‘The Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences: Mission, history and training’ by Prof. João Carlos Onofre Pinto. This was followed by the lecture ‘Alice in Wonderland. Where is our attention today?’, led by Prof. Cláudio Carvalho. The morning ended with the practical activity ‘I pause, therefore I am’, led by Prof. Anabela Santos Rodrigues.